Academic Design Study · Marbella, Spain

Mountain Gallery

A Dialogue Between Light, Landscape and Form

Project Introduction

Mountain Gallery is a contemporary art gallery concept set within the mountainous landscape overlooking Marbella.

The project explores architectural contrast through the relationship between sculptural and rectilinear forms, solid and transparent surfaces, and naturally illuminated and enclosed exhibition spaces.

Project: Mountain Gallery
Classification: Academic Design Study
Location: Marbella, Spain
Typology: Contemporary Art Gallery
Stage: Concept Design

Concept Exploration

01 —The Architecture of Contrast

The design originated from an investigation into architectural oppositions: traditional and contemporary, solid and transparent, bright and dark, straight and curved.

These contrasting qualities established the conceptual foundation for the project, informing its architectural geometry, material expression and spatial character.

Architectural Contrast concept board for Mountain Gallery exploring geometry, materiality, scale and spatial relationships

Architectural Contrast — Traditional Meets Modern concept board for Mountain Gallery — Architectural contrast — geometry, materiality, scale and spatial relationships.

Light and Spatial Perception

The investigation moved from contrast as a visual principle to contrast as a spatial experience, examining natural light, shadow, enclosure and framed views.

These principles became central to the gallery's design, shaping the relationship between exhibition environments and the surrounding landscape.

Architectural Light and Space moodboard for Mountain Gallery exploring light, atmosphere and spatial perception — Concept study — light, atmosphere and spatial perception.

Design Development

02 —From Sketch to Architectural Form

The initial hand sketch established the relationship between a sweeping curved gesture and a composition of rectilinear volumes.

Through massing studies and architectural drawings, this idea evolved into a sculptural building with contrasting heights, façade treatments and spatial conditions.

Massing studies tested movement, geometric precision, transparency and enclosure.

Mountain Gallery — Design Process, From Sketch to Render board: initial sketch, massing study, formal development, spatial organization, elevational logic and final architectural expression — Design development — from initial sketch and massing studies to spatial organization, elevations and architectural visualization.

Architectural Outcome

03 —Form, Material and Landscape

The final proposal brings together contrasting architectural volumes, sweeping geometry and expansive glazed façades.

Vertically textured ivory surfaces, dark metallic framing and pale natural stone establish a restrained material language.

The surrounding Mediterranean vegetation and reflective water soften the architectural composition and reinforce its relationship with the landscape.

Three-quarter exterior perspective of Mountain Gallery with its curved glazed volume, reflecting pool and Mediterranean planting — Architectural expression — contrasting volumes, transparency and the Mediterranean landscape.

Secondary elevation of Mountain Gallery showing orthogonal volumes, translucent glazing and vertically textured façade — Secondary elevation — geometric precision, material rhythm and natural light.

Light and the Experience of Art

Within the gallery, enclosed exhibition environments contrast with naturally illuminated spaces and extensive views towards the Mediterranean.

Sunlight, shadows and reflections become part of the spatial experience, allowing architecture, art and the surrounding landscape to interact.

Mountain Gallery interior with a sculptural curved ceiling, tall dark metal-framed glazing, pale stone floor and a white figurative sculpture before the Mediterranean coastline — Gallery interior — natural light, framed landscape views and the relationship between architecture and art.

Mountain Gallery explores how contrast can become an architectural experience — shaping not only the building's form, but the way art and space are perceived.

Project Credits

Project: Mountain Gallery
Classification: Academic Design Study
Location: Marbella, Spain
Concept Design and Architectural Drawings: Anna Tellenbach
Architectural Visualisations: AI-assisted concept visualisations

© 2026 Anna Tellenbach. All rights reserved in original project material. Third-party reference imagery contained within the academic concept boards remains the property of its respective copyright holders.

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