Features Shaping skylines around the world S panish architecture has been delivering unforgetta-ble landmark projects for decades, thanks to leadingarchitects who have been creating some of the mostitage, contact with the natural environment and socialcommitment. And all this is grounded in a long traditionof craftsmanship, but also in new generations with a for- memorable skylines on the international scene. Spanishward-looking and innovative vision. “Despite how critical architects do battle in international competitions along-we are of the way architectural projects are commissioned side the worlds leading authorities. “We have an interna-’and funded inour country, Spain has maintained a rela- tional reputation that suggestswe are producing very godotively high level of participation in public competitions and architecture”, says Sigfrido Herráez, dean of the Madridhas a number of very good architecture schools”, reflects Architects Association (COAM). Spanish professionalsAna Bassat, founding partner of b720. are regulars at international architecture schools, and the country has attracted international firms such as NormanSpanish architects, well-respected professionals Foster and BIG to set up shop inSpain and form local teams.“In Spain, architects are seen as well-rounded professionals “Spain has always been an important country in terms ofwith a cross-disciplinary, integrative vision, capable of un- architecture”, says architect Carlos Lamela, who took over dertaking a project in its entirety”, summarises Enric Batlle, direction of Estudio Lamela fro hsfathermi AnontioLamelawho, together with his partner Joan Roig, founded Batlle (1926-2017) and designed Madrid Barajas Airports Terminal’i Roig in 1981, where they have specialised in landscaping, 4 alongsideRichard Rogers (1933-2021). Much of the credit forurban planning and construction. Spanish architecture Spanish architecture remaining strong lies with its great mas-schools and their training have had a significant influence ters as it is a profession that has been passed down throughon how national architecture has been presented to the generations and has reached a true golden age. world: sensitive and humanistic, but also technically sound Thanks to its professionals, Spanish architecture isand cost-effective. “The technical and humanistic training today well positioned to tackle future challenges such asof our professionals is particularly valued as a genuine and sustainability, innovative materials, the restoration of her-distinguishing feature compared to professional practice 10