A Spanish court ruled that famed architect Santiago Calatrava must pay 2.9 million euros (roughly $4 million) to a property development company, citing "shortcomings in his work" related to the Palacio de Congresos project in Oviedo, Spain, according to the Associated Press.
According to a report from The Guardian, Palacio de Congresos' infamous, huge mechanical visor has never worked because of problems with its hydraulics. Calatrava has been in an ongoing battle with the building's owners through the courts after they blamed him and refused to pay his full fees.
The architect is facing legal action in his home town, as well. As BD+C reported in December 2013, officials with the city of Valencia, Spain, are blaming Calatrava for the rapid deterioration of buildings within its City of Arts and Sciences complex.
And the owner of another Calatrava-designed project, Ysios winery in the rainy Alava region of northern Spain, say the building's dramatic, undulating roof is leaking.
Related Stories
Architects | Dec 3, 2015
LMN Architects wins 2016 AIA Architecture Firm Award
The firm is known for projects like Vancouver Convention Centre West and the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business.
Greenbuild Report | Dec 1, 2015
Data centers turn to alternative power sources, new heat controls and UPS systems
Data centers account for 2% of the nation’s electricity consumption and about 30% of the power used annually by the economy’s information and communications technology sector, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Greenbuild Report | Nov 30, 2015
10 megatrends shaping the future of green building
Increased competition among green building rating systems, the rise of net-zero buildings, and a sharper focus on existing structures are among the trends that will drive sustainability through 2020, according to author and green building expert Jerry Yudelson.
Contractors | Nov 24, 2015
FMI survey: Millennials in construction get a bad rap, tend to be loyal, hard-working
While the stigma exists that Millennials are entitled, disloyal, and lazy, it appears that this is not true, according to a new report from FMI.
Cultural Facilities | Nov 23, 2015
BIG plans for Pittsburgh: Bjarke Ingels’ Lower Hill District master plan evokes hilly topography
Paths will be carved to create a dialogue between Pittsburgh’s urbanscape and its hilly surroundings.
Architects | Nov 23, 2015
Dewberry acquires Houston’s Wilson Architectural Group
Now known as Dewberry | Wilson, the firm will have access to more MEP, technology design, site/civil, and land development capabilities.
Architects | Nov 19, 2015
Book helps prevent new architecture students from making common mistakes
Written by Iain Jackson, "The Architecture School Survival Guide" covers both broad designing ideas and specific architecture tips.
Architects | Nov 18, 2015
AIA: Demand for design services still up for the year
October's ABI score was 53.1, down slightly from the mark of 53.7 in September. This still reflects an increase in design services, as any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings.
Architects | Nov 16, 2015
Croatia's 'sea organ' lets the ocean make music
Visitors to the shores of the Adriatic Sea in Zadar, Croatia, can hear the sounds of the ocean in an entirely different way. There, when the waves hit the coast, they make music—literally.
Architects | Nov 16, 2015
Perkins Eastman, ForrestPerkins combine practices
The combined international firm will total almost 1,000 employees.