Empty Architectures – Abandoned Buildings of Mallorca
Empty architectures is a photographic project that showcases a number of abandoned buildings and constructions scattered across the island of Mallorca. The series documents different building typologies: from a hospital and a textile factory, to the largest winery on the island.
This photographic series aims to highlight the value of these buildings, which were once highly significant to the history of Mallorca. In many cases they are located in privileged settings where they would have strong potential for success if converted into new public facilities for their cities. This photographic project began in 2019, and it is worth noting that since then some of the photographed buildings have already begun adaptation works, which we hope will allow them to be recovered and contribute new cultural opportunities to the urban environment.
To unify these different typologies within the project, each building was photographed during the golden hour according to its orientation. In this way, every structure is presented like an architectural jewel against a deep, graduated blue sky that highlights and reflects the unique beauty of each one.
This survey showcases a small sample of the hundreds of emblematic buildings that remain abandoned across Europe, and which, with the appropriate tools and strategies, could be given a second opportunity, enriching the cultural life of each region.
Lluís Bort is an architect and architectural photographer from Tales (Castellón), based in Mallorca, specializing in architecture and interior photography. His work has been published in specialized media including AD Magazine, Arquitectura Viva, Designboom, and Metalocus, even reaching The New York Times. This series was exhibited in the COAC (Centre Obert d’Arquitecture) in Tarragona, Spain in 2023.
Image descriptions, in order of appearence:
- GESA Building (Palma, 1975-2008)
The office building, listed as a Catalogued Heritage Asset (BC), is located on the seafront promenade of the city of Palma. It was designed by José Ferragut Pou in 1960 and represented a pioneering work influenced by the North American modern architecture of the period. - Es Fogueró Palace Nightclub (Alcúdia, 1989-1992)
This isolated building on the outskirts of Alcúdia was the island’s most important nightclub, entertainment venue and restaurant during the 1990s. Every weekend, young people from across Mallorca gathered here to enjoy its nightlife. Although several rehabilitation projects have been proposed over the years, none have progressed beyond the planning stage. - Bon Sosec Cemetery (Marratxí, 1993)
The project to transform Bon Sosec Cemetery into the largest cemetery on the island was soon left unfinished. Involved in political scandals and corruption cases, some of its planned infrastructures were never completed and remain today as bare concrete skeletons that stand out within the industrial landscape of Marratxí. - Es Sindicat Winery (Felanitx, 1921-1993)
A landmark of the island’s wine industry in the 1920s was the construction of this cooperative winery designed by the architect Guillem Forteza. Its remarkable success soon required three successive extensions and established the building as a major architectural and industrial reference within the island territory. - Son Dureta Hospital (Palma, 1953-2011)
The hospital located on the hillside overlooking the Bay of Palma was designed by architect Martí José Marcide Odriozola in 1953. Equipped with 300 beds and a staff of 150 healthcare professionals, it became the island’s main reference hospital. Everything changed with the construction of the new Son Espases Hospital, after which the building was permanently abandoned. - Alcanada Thermal Power Plant (Alcúdia, 1957-1992)
This thermal power plant in the Bay of Alcúdia was designed by the architect Ramón Vázquez Molezún to supply electricity to much of the island of Mallorca. The plant operated using both fuel oil and coal. In the early 1960s, José Ferragut Pou built a residential complex next to it to house its workers. The construction of a new power plant in the same area ultimately led to its definitive closure. - Lluís Sitjar Football Stadium (Palma, 1945-1999)
The stadium designed by architect Carlos Garau was initially known as Es Fortí until 1955, when it was renamed Lluís Sitjar in honor of the club president who promoted its construction. It had a capacity of 15,000 spectators and a pitch measuring 103 × 69 meters. The first match played by RCD Mallorca in this stadium took place on 23 September 1945 against Xerez F.C. in the Second Division, and the last on 13 June 1999 against RC Celta de Vigo in the First Division. - Tirador Velodrome (Palma, 1903-1973)
This open-air cycling track was Spain’s leading velodrome for six decades, until the construction of the Anoeta Velodrome in San Sebastián in 1965. For many years it hosted the most important cycling events in the country, including the Spanish Speed Championship and the World Motor-Paced Championship. In 1918, architect Gaspar Bennassar added to the complex Es Xalet, a small building that served as a café and terrace for club members. - Former Penitentiary Center (Palma, 1950-1999)
This prison was designed to accommodate 400 inmates, but at times held as many as 1,000 prisoners. The severe overcrowding endangered both inmates and prison staff. In addition, the poor condition of the facilities forced the construction of a new penitentiary center on the other side of the Vía de Cintura ring road, leading to the definitive closure of this one. - Sa Fàbrica Nova Textile Factory (Sóller, 1890-1971)
This factory was one of Sóller’s main economic engines in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, producing fabrics used for clothing and bed linens. During the Spanish Civil War it played a crucial role after the industrial district of Barcelona was bombed, as it had to take over the production of several Catalan factories. Despite various proposals for its rehabilitation, all projects ultimately remained only on paper. - Son Simonet Military Barracks (Palma, 1945-1991)
This 14,000 m2 barracks complex located on the Valldemossa Road housed three main units: the 29th Regional Motor Transport Company, the Balearic Motor Transport Headquarters, and the Drivers’ Training School with its workshops. The compound contained housing, workshops, storage areas and garages necessary for its operations. In 1988 most of its units were relocated to Son Tous, and the site was closed a few years later. - Fuster Distilleries (Santa Margalida, 1900-1985)
The liquor factory known locally in Santa Margalida as Can Félix began its activity in the early 1900s under the direction of Feliciano Fuster. Fuster Distilleries became the most important liquor-producing industry on the island of Mallorca. Unfortunately, the complex has been abandoned for many years and now stands in a state of ruin. - Dhraa Nite City Nightclub (Porto Cristo, 1986-1993)
This large-scale project was conceived as a futuristic open-air nightclub for 15,000 people, along with an art gallery and a surf school. It was developed by architect José Ángel Suárez, known for his travels to Africa in search of new ideas; the project takes its name from a trip to the oasis of the Draa Valley. Miquel Barceló, José Maldonado, and Javier Mariscal also took part in the project, designing different parts of the complex. Artists such as Radio Futura and Miguel Bosé performed there, but ongoing conflicts ultimately led to its permanent closure in 1993.
