The Hotel Don Juan

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria · Category: Architecture · Subcategory: Civil architecture · Year: 1963-67 · Authors: Pedro Massieu Verdugo

In November 1963, authorization was applied for to build a building that might be considered "singular" and surpass the maximum height permitted by the municipal authorities. The city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria took on tourism as a focus of investments and incipient development, thus allowing special projects that would strenghten the city's image as a modern urban site, and preparing it for the visit of tourists. Pedro Massieu took on the job of designing a hotel in a reduced area close to Santa Catalina Park, within the confines of the isthmus separating Las Canteras beach from the port area. [...] This determination was the origin for its solution through a sixteen sided polygonal building as a geometric base and as an expressive display in carefully contructive detail. It occupied a surface area of around 25 metres in diametre. To take advantage of its denomination of "outstanding building", the architect designed a tower comprising 26 floors and a height of 83 metres, thus turning it into an urban landmark. Its main purpose was associated with the identification of the new area of expansion near to the harbour area and Port of La Luz y de Las Palmas, acquiring its role as a key part of the leisure and entertainment sector of the city. 

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