Like the Iberian-American Exposition of 1929, the Expo of 1992 marked a period of important urban redevelopment for Sevilla, this time to coincide with the 500 year anniversary of the discovery of America.
In 1929 apart from the birth of the ‘Sevillian style’, the city overcame the constraints which had limited its growth and embraced the fashion for wide avenues so typical of the start of the 20th century. In 1992 the modernisation process centred on communications (the Santa Justa station, development and expansion of the San Pablo airport, new motorways), as well as links crossing the Guadalquivir (emblematic bridges such as the Quinto Centenario, the Barqueta, and the Alamillo), cultural spaces (the Maestranza and Central theatres, Auditorium) and above all, the exhibition area itself on the Island of the Cartuja. This was transformed into a spectacular laboratory for futuristic architecture, some of which is still being used in the Cartuja 93 technology park.
Thus, modern Sevilla set out to change its shape more than 15 years ago. Inspired by the universal nature of Expo 92, the architecture which is now redefining the city is innovative as well as global and cosmopolitan in style. A perfect example is the Metropol Parasol, the mushroom-shaped constructions designed by Jurgen Mayer which were built in Plaza de la Encarnacion, and which have been exhibitted in MOMA in New York as an example of architectural innovation in Spain. The expansion of Fibes, designed by Vazquez Consuegra, is among the creative building which are placing the city and province of Sevilla at the forefront of contemporary architecture.