Spanish Design Pavilion Rethinking Public Space in Frankfurt

DRAC: Gaudí and the Inhabited Form, realized within the scope of World Design Capital Frankfurt Rhein-Main 2026, reinterprets Spain's design, craft, and material culture through a contemporary architectural language. Located in the garden of the Cervantes Institute in Frankfurt, the pavilion is not merely an exhibition structure; it is designed as an experimental cultural infrastructure that activates public space, can be disassembled and reassembled, and can survive in different contexts.

Instead of simply replicating historical references, the project combines principles prominent in Antoni Gaudí's architecture—such as material usage, geometry, and structural efficiency—with contemporary discussions on sustainability and circularity. In this respect, the pavilion offers a design proposal for the future rather than being a monument looking to the past.

© Archdaily - ICEX

A Contemporary Interpretation Inspired by Gaudí

The pavilion's organic form is inspired by the famous dragon sculpture, one of the most iconic elements of Park Güell in Barcelona. Designed by ggstudio , led by José Ramón Tramoyeres and Manolo García , the structure reinterprets Gaudí's nature-inspired architectural approach using contemporary production techniques.

However, the aim here is not to reproduce the figure in Park Güell. DRAC creates a new architectural experience by combining the relationship between materials and systems, which is important in Gaudí's working method, with contemporary technologies.

A lightweight system that combines wood, ceramic, and textiles.

The approximately 150-square-meter pavilion's supporting structure is made of wood. The building's exterior is completed with over 16,000 ceramic pieces as well as textile elements. This layered surface not only adds color and texture to the structure but also regulates light, shadow, and airflow.

Reminiscent of Gaudí's famous trencadís technique, the ceramic surfaces here are used not as a traditional decorative element, but as part of the building's overall spatial character. This creates a strong link between the Mediterranean material culture and contemporary production methods.

© Archdaily - ICEX

An Architecture That Can Be Assembled and Disassembled Without Leaving a Trace

One of DRAC's most striking features is that it's designed as a fully recyclable and demountable system. The structure was built using a dry assembly method without the use of permanent foundation systems. This means that when the event ends, the area where it stands can be returned to its original state, and the pavilion can be reassembled in a different city.

This approach stands out as a powerful example of the increasingly important concepts of temporary architecture and circular design today. Instead of being a temporary object produced for a single event, the structure was conceived as a mobile cultural infrastructure with diverse life cycles.

A Spatial Experience That Activates Public Space

DRAC is not just a structure to be observed, but also functions as a public platform that can be walked around, sat in, and host various events.

Thanks to sloping surfaces, seating areas, and spatial arrangements at varying heights, visitors can have different experiences within the pavilion. Acting like an artificial topography, the structure reorganizes the Cervantes Institute garden, creating a new ground for social interaction and cultural programming.

In this respect, DRAC demonstrates that architecture is not limited to housing or representation functions, but can be an active tool supporting public life.

A Temporary but Lasting Message

The pavilion, realized as part of World Design Capital Frankfurt 2026, showcases Spain's design and production capabilities on an international scale, while also initiating a strong discussion on sustainable and recyclable cultural infrastructures.

Inspired by Gaudí's design approach based on materials and geometry, DRAC bridges the gap between past and future, offering an inspiring example of rethinking public space.

Project Details

Project: DRAC: Gaudí and the Inhabited Form

Design: ggstudio (José Ramón Tramoyeres & Manolo García)

Location: Frankfurt, Germany

Event: World Design Capital Frankfurt Rhein-Main 2026

Organization: ICEX & Cervantes Institute

Materials: Wood, ceramics, textiles. Photos: Taken from the Spanish Design Pavilion website, Agustina Iñiguez 's article on Archdaily, and ICEX.