Visionary architect Ricardo Bofill was known for his dynamic approach to redefining space and style, focused around the centrality of the human scale. After his passing in January 2022, at the age of 82, the architectural world mourned the loss of one of its contemporary greats. Yet Bofill’s work lives on, both in the buildings he created during his lifetime and the drawings he left behind such as those for Ikon in Valencia.
In 1986, Ricardo Bofill designed the Turia Garden, a large linear park that stitched together the urban fabric of the city and revolutionised its urban planning. As a result of that transformation, the Valencian capital has stood out for its innovation and creativity, to the point of being elected World Design Capital in 2022. Now, Ikon by Kronos Homes, Bofill’s latest skyscraper, closes the circle of Valencia’s modernisation and creates a new landmark on the city’s skyline.
Ikon takes Ricardo Bofill’s personal vision, interpreting the cosmopolitan essence of the Mediterranean and translating it into architecture. Its one-to-four-bedroom apartments and ultra-luxurious penthouses provide unparalleled views of Valencia. Large windows let the sun into every home, as do the terraces with their glass railings, ensuring uninterrupted views across the cityscape from the key-ready homes. A spectacular panorama that stretches from the sea to the mountains. In addition, the 110-metre-high building also houses a stunning swimming pool with solarium, gym and gourmet social area for owners to enjoy. The design of the pool gives rise to the feeling of Ikon rising from the waters, like a lighthouse on the skyline of the modern metropolis of Valencia.
In terms of architecture, Bofill’s passion for light and shadow has long been a key feature of his work. This is certainly the case with Ikon, whose façade was inspired by the golden light that floods the city. Pure dynamism in a mixture of curves and edges that culminates in the upper levels, where the structure emerges from the whole to become a great distinguishing element. A sculpture that stands out against the city skyline and incorporates the blue of the sky as part of the building.
“I am lucky to have had the chance to work with Ricardo Bofill and make one of his last projects a reality. Ikon is not only the tallest tower in Valencia, but also one of the most iconic. Ikon is a symbol of the city’s modernity but, most importantly, the legacy of a legendary architect.”Saïd Hejal. Partner & CEO Kronos Real Estate Group
Bofill’s work includes some of the most impressive postmodernist projects in Europe, America and North Africa, such as Kafka Castle and Walden 7 in Catalonia, Alicante’s La Muralla Roja and Axe Majeur in Paris, as well as 77 West Wacker Drive in Chicago and Morocco’s Mohammed VI Polytechnic University. Located next to Valencia’s Palacio de Congresos, Ikon’s two towers are 30 and 14 storeys tall, with 142 and 61 homes respectively.
For more information about Ikon, please visit: https://www.kronoshomes.com/en/projects/valencia/ikon/
