Remodelling of the Plaza de la Balsa Vieja. Totana. Murcia. 2008-09
Promoter: Totana Town Council. Murcia. Spain.
Location: Totana, Murcia, Spain
Year: 2008-2009
Surface area: 2.800 m2
Awards:
First Prize in the Ideas Competition for the Remodelling of the Plaza de la Balsa Vieja. Totana City Council. Murcia. Murcia. Spain. 2008
Exhibitions:
Competition for the Remodelling of the Plaza de la Balsa Vieja. Totana City Council. Totana. (Murcia). 2008
AM/PM Architectures and Processes Murcia. Official College of Architects of Murcia (COAMU). Murcia. 2009
XVI Architecture and Urbanism Awards of the Region of Murcia. Official College of Architects of Murcia (COAMU). Murcia. 2011.
Publications:
Revista de Urbanismo y Medio Ambiente Equipamientos y Servicios Municipales, 2010, nº148, p. 24-30.
Plataforma de Arquitectura, 2012.
The fundamental objective of the proposal is to revitalise and intensify the use of this space located above an underground car park, resolving the existing problems of accessibility and habitability. To this end, it has been given its own character where it is possible to accommodate multiple uses, from strolling, resting and socialising to more intimate spaces that favour a place to relax, read or converse.
The space has been divided into two large areas or ambiences. A more open area, linked to the use of the adjoining buildings, and a more private environment, linked to the vegetation, where through the creation of flexible pieces – the Vegetal Islands – we incorporate new uses into the public space such as work areas, lunch areas and study areas with the necessary degree of privacy.
Between these areas, characterised by the incorporation of shade, a central open-air space is organised, where leisure and cultural activities can be held.
Shade elements are designed to allow for comfortable climatic and spatial conditions in both winter and summer.
The topography of the green area adjacent to Puente street is raised to achieve a space that is more protected from nearby road traffic, with the mound acting as a visual and acoustic screen.
Through the use of shade, vegetation and a clear organisation of uses in the Plaza, we achieve a Comfortable Public Space, the first requirement for its use by the public.
