Lanzarote owes much of its current architectural identity to the visionary work of César Manrique, whose influence is embedded in the island's unique integration of architecture with the natural landscape. Through his artistic and architectural endeavors, Manrique championed the preservation of Lanzarote’s beauty, promoting an approach that harmonized the built environment with nature, rather than overshadowing it.
In his book, Lanzarote: inédita arquitectura (1974), Manrique outlined the defining features of traditional Lanzarotean architecture. His work was centered on protecting the island’s identity by ensuring that development didn’t disrupt the natural harmony. He was instrumental in convincing both the local community and government to adopt policies that would protect the island’s visual aesthetics.
Manrique’s vision led to regulations prohibiting billboards on roads, preserving the unspoiled vistas of the island. His advocacy also focused on the traditional architectural elements of Lanzarote, ensuring that buildings maintained their connection with the natural environment, and utilizing local materials in construction.
Traditional buildings in Lanzarote were designed to meet the needs of a community of peasants, with simplicity and functionality at their core. The use of white as the predominant color for homes was essential to controlling the interior temperature. The reflective quality of the white paint helped to mirror sunlight, preventing the interior from heating up under the intense sun, while the thick walls provided insulation, keeping warmth in during winter and cooling the house in the summer.
The one-story homes typically featured a light central patio, often with a sloped roof designed to collect the scarce rainwater, which was then stored in cisterns. This ingenious water collection system was crucial in an island where rainfall is minimal.
The building materials in Lanzarote were influenced by the island’s volcanic landscape. The volcanic rock was commonly used in construction. While the wealthier islanders could afford cut stone blocks from quarries, the less affluent used stones collected from the fields. The walls were typically thick—60-70 cm—and their mass played a key role in keeping the houses cool in the summer and warm in the winter. These walls were built with a small amount of mud and covered on the exterior with lime (cal), a material known for its insulating properties.
Lanzarote’s traditional homes were strategically oriented to protect against the harsh northern winds. The typical "L" or "U" shaped houses opened towards the south, maximizing exposure to sunlight and providing a sheltered, private courtyard in the center. This thoughtful layout helped ensure the comfort and sustainability of the homes in the island’s challenging climatic conditions.
The island’s modern architecture has followed a similar approach, though today cement blocks are used for the basic structure of the walls, and cement is commonly employed for exterior finishes. While construction materials have evolved, the fundamental principles of Lanzarote's traditional architecture— simplicity, functionality, and integration with the environment—continue to guide the design of new buildings.
The enduring influence of César Manrique’s architectural philosophy is still visible today, with Lanzarote maintaining a sense of order and cohesion in its built environment. His work not only transformed the landscape of Lanzarote but also ensured that the island’s architectural identity remained intact, creating a unique blend of art and nature that visitors from around the world can admire and experience. Through his advocacy for preserving the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage, César Manrique has left an indelible mark on Lanzarote’s landscape and architectural legacy.
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