Francisco Candela Paintings

Francisco Candela, full name Félix Candela Outeriño, was not an artist in the traditional sense of painters or sculptors, but an architect and structural engineer whose artistic flair was expressed through his innovative use of reinforced concrete in construction. Born on January 27, 1910, in Madrid, Spain, Candela is best known for his pioneering work on thin-shell concrete structures, particularly his iconic parabolic shell structures, which combined both aesthetic appeal and structural efficiency.

Candela’s early life was marked by his studies at the Escuela Superior de Arquitectura in Madrid, where he graduated in 1935. His career was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War, during which he served in the Republican army. After the defeat of the Republican forces, he was forced into exile, eventually settling in Mexico in 1939. This move would define his career, as Mexico provided the backdrop for the majority of his innovative architectural work.

In Mexico, Candela initially worked as a draughtsman and teacher, but it wasn't long before he founded his own construction company, Cubiertas Ala, in 1950. Through Cubiertas Ala, he started experimenting with thin-shell concrete structures, pushing the boundaries of architectural design and engineering. His work from this period, including the Cosmic Rays Pavilion (1951) at the University City of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, showcased his ability to create structures that were not only functional but also visually striking. Perhaps his most famous work is the Oceanographic Museum in Valencia, Spain, a later masterpiece that exemplifies his mature style and command over concrete.

Candela’s designs often drew inspiration from natural forms, and he was adept at utilizing the hyperbolic paraboloid shape to create roofs that appeared impossibly thin and light. This was not merely an aesthetic choice; it also allowed for cost-effective construction methods, as these designs used less building material without sacrificing strength or stability. His work in the mid-20th century contributed significantly to the development of modernist architecture in Latin America and beyond, influencing not only architects but also engineers and designers across the globe.

Despite his focus on structural engineering and architecture, Candela's work is celebrated for its artistic merit, standing at the crossroads of art and science. His legacy is preserved in the numerous structures he designed, which continue to be studied and admired for their beauty and innovative design. He passed away on December 7, 1997, in Durham, North Carolina, leaving behind a body of work that remains influential in both architectural practice and academic circles.