Scenes of Valencia

Mercado Central is one of Europe’s biggest markets that signifies the trade and cutting edge of technology in Valencia during the early 20th century. Embodying a modernist Catalan architectural style, the market comprises of ceramic partitions, mosaic domes and decorative glasswork that juxtapose with its neighbouring buildings, such as Lonja de la Seda. The dome that is made of iron, decorative ceramic glass, particularly exemplifies the colourful and ornamental charactertistics of art nouveau. 

The building is split into two zones and consists of a ground floor and basement; whilst the basement is now converted into a carpark, the ground floor is where trading occurs and is made of brick tiles, supported by white iron columns and vaults. The white paint on the iron vaults and columns adds a layer of protection and helps prolong the building’s life cycle. 

Known locally as ‘Silk Exchange’, Lonja de la Seda was built in the 15th century during Valencia’s economic growth. Whilst it was used for trading in silk, it was also a centre of commerce. The building denotes a Gothic civic architectural style, which displays the power and wealth of Valencia during the 15th and 16th centuries as it used to be one of the greatest Meditteranean mercantile cities. This is particularly emphasised in the Trading Hall, where the enormous open space is dominated by finely carved spiral pillars that are supposed to resemble palm trees alongside those integrated into the walls that display extravagent skills of craftmanship. The vaulted ceilings are used not only for spreading loads, but also to add to the triumphant appearance. 

The structure is composed of stone masonry with irregular sized stones, though the variation in size is not as much as that seen in the Valencia Cathedral. Although stone masonry is weak in tension, there are no flying buttresses to help dissipate the load and add additional strength. 

Signs of stone deterioration, such as cracks and holes, are observed on the exterior and interior walls. Whilst the exterior erosion of stone resemble that of the Valencia Cathedral, I would say there are less obvious signs of deterioration in comparison. To preserve it, a coating of paint can be added to protect it from corrosion.

Masonry is very strong in compression, but poor in tension. Therefore, the flying buttresses are designed not only for its aesthetics but also to add additional strength to the building by dissipating load from the roof. Stone masonry usually uses sedimentary stone including limestone and sandstone. 

The vaulted ceilings are also used for spreading force and weight whilst providing an impression of height and maginificence that many gothic cathedrals embrace. 

As the building was constructed centuries ago, obvious signs of stone staining and deterioration, such as cracks, holes and chips are observed, mainly caused by weather conditions. Rain water can physically and chemically act on stone by decomposing, oxidating and hydrating the minerals contained in them as a result of salt weathering. Salt is naturally present in the atmosphere and mainly affects limestone. When it rains, Calcium Sulphate is produced and acts on the stone whilst it is wet and precipitates into crystals on the surface when it is dry, weathering the limestone. 

Wind can also cause erosion as it carries dust and other small particles with it that can be abrasive. Moreover, temperature changes can result in expansion and contraction, causing cracks to form. However, the decay of stone also depends on whether there are different types of stones used together in the masonry. If so, deterioration of stone may be a result of mutual decay where chemicals brought down from one stone deteriorate its neighbouring one. 

To preserve the building material, a coating of paint can be added to protect it from corrosion. 

There are a few signs of conrete deterioration where cracks are present. This is probably due to carbonation of concrete causing the rust on the steel reinforcement to expand, thus spall. Repair and maintenance are also required on areas where paint has fallen off. Epoxy or acrylic resin can be used to preserve/protect concrete, thus elongating its life cycle. 

As for steel, no obvious signs of deterioration are observed yet, perhaps because it doesn’t rain often in Valencia and it is not situated near the coast where seawater increases the corrosion effects. Moreover, Valencia is not a humid region, further decreasing the effect of oxidation. Its life cycle can be prolonged by passive protection, such as adding a coating of paint or galvanising it. 

The life span of glass is typically very long as it is resistant to scratching, abrasion and chemical attack to a certain extent as lime and strong alkali can degrade it.