Muralla Roja

Rising up from the rocky cliffs of Calpe, on Spain’s Costa Blanca, La Muralla Roja is a post modern apartment complex and probably Ricardo Bofill’s most dramatic work.

Built in 1973 and inspired by Islamic and North African Architecture, Bofill borrowed several elements from the Kasbah, including their tall, imposing walls, and the way in which they synthesize the outdoor and indoor into one space. La Muralla Roja also evokes the clean lines and geometric abstraction of Soviet constructivist architecture. Yet it is prevented from becoming too imposing and austere by the use of colour. Bold reds, blues and pale pink. The colour palette contrasts beautifully against the deep blue Spanish sky from almost every angle.