Oasi vulcaniche protette dal vento. César Manrique, paesaggio e architettura a Lanzarote

Volcanic Oases Sheltered from the Wind. César Manrique, Landscape and Architecture in Lanzarote The article reviews the series of architectural works created by César Manrique on his native island of Lanzarote between the 1960s and 1990s, with insights into the projects of Casa del Taro de Tahíche and Jameos del Agua, in reference to the unique landscape context of the site. The elaboration focuses on the artist’s powerful identification with the island, its natural elements and the cultural productions of the human community, through which he aspires to incarnate the spirit of the place. The synergy between creative action and chthonic forces seems to transfigure the centuries-old action of landscape transformation performed by the settled communities to “order and second” the harsh pristine nature of the places, product of the encounter of eruptive volcanism, foaming Atlantic currents, and powerful trade winds. The same synergy also fuels the network of landscape installations that underline the territorial fabric of the island and is captured in the figurative fresco and mosaic cycles adorning various public spaces at the service of residents and visitors.