Mallorca is the point where reality and dreams merge and every boundary between the horizons becomes blurred. For many people, the Balearic island is the ultimate vacation and travel dream. All over the world and regardless of their social class. However, the polarizing and harsh reality of the island remains hidden from many visitors.
Baumeister cover Mallorca Issue March 2024
Unique building materials and architectural masterpieces
When it comes to building culture, Mallorca is struggling with an enormous shortage of skilled workers, dilapidated buildings and complex weather conditions. At the same time, Mallorca is home to unique building materials and materials as well as very special architectural and building culture masterpieces. However, the exciting buildings are not necessarily located in Mallorca’s capital Palma, but rather in the more rural regions of the island. In addition to unique hotel buildings, Mallorca surprises with impressive wineries and, above all, smaller but all the more extraordinary properties. Here, the island’s typical Marès characterizes Mallorcan architecture.
Consequences of the Mallorca hype
The Balearic limestone is still used in construction on Mallorca today. Of course, where there is light, there is also shadow. You could spend days on the island driving from one luxurious decadent bunker to the next and let your eyesight be obscured by the same old, interchangeable luxury cubes on the rocky coasts. However, the island has much more to offer and has nothing to hide, especially when it comes to its architectural highlights.
Another phenomenon can also be observed outside the larger cities: poverty. The masses of tourists have been causing one cost explosion after another on Mallorca for years. Locals can barely afford to live. The number of homeless people is increasing year on year. Mass tourism is suffocating the island. The infrastructure can barely cope with the millions of visitors who flock to the island every year. And the Mallorca hype also has ecological consequences.
The spirits I called? Perhaps. However, Mallorca’s unique flora and fauna have long been calling for nothing but “Help!”. Mallorca is an island of extremes. And: Mallorca is a fascination.
In this issue, we therefore not only look at some of Mallorca’s most exciting architectural highlights, but also at the effects of the visitor tsunamis and take a closer look at the insider tips that are really worth seeing. I am delighted to introduce you to one of the most beautiful island paradises in this issue and look forward to your feedback.
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In our February issue, we introduce you to young architects. Get the magazine here.