PREVIOUS SITUATION
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
Amorbieta is a medium-sized town in Vizcaya with a practically non-existent historical center. In the 1970’s it suffered from aggressive development, giving priority to the use of vehicles over pedestrians. The need to change this situation consists of increasing the area designated for pedestrians, eliminating street level parking and building an underground parking lot in one of the few possible areas available under the Zelaieta Park. At the same time the opportunity will be taken to renovate the park and its environs.
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
The Zelaieta Park used to be a private garden so it was designed in accordance to its owners’ desires. Through the years several details have been added; a music gazebo, sculptures and a pond. These things have been constructed haphazardly, not taking into consideration the overall aesthetics of the park, causing it to lose its full potential.
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
OBJECTIVE OF THE INTERVENTION
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
In 2005 the Amorebieta-Etxano town council announced a contest consisting of the renovation of Zelaieta Park and its environs, in order to expand and improve the pedestrian areas, especially those located in the town center. The new public area should be a gathering place designed to attract the citizens of the community. The main idea is to create a logical area with the space available, bringing together the gazebo, playground, promenades, etc., while maintaining the existing trees in the northern area of the park that are comprised of numerous examples of enormous Tilo trees.
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INTERVENTION
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The general idea of all of the renovations of the area is mainly based upon the quest for a green and natural area throughout town.
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
- The Zelaieta Park as a natural epicenter that encompasses the city and expands via the many pedestrian streets.
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
- The creation of aesthetically pleasing urban areas that give priority to people and nature.
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
- Recuperation of the pedestrian priority over the uncontrolled traffic in town.
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
- The creation of multiuse areas designed to allow for a wide variety of activities able to satisfy the changing needs throughout the day, from children’s games to social activities such as town markets, exhibitions, fairs, etc.
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
- Highlighting the unique, existing elements such as the Urgozo fountain or the gazebo.
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
- The diversity of each area allows its enjoyment of varied activities at different times.
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
- Meeting places, in relation to their surroundings, that answer to the need of urban life and communal spaces.
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
- Empty spaces full of character and nature but without buildings where citizens meet to enjoy their community life, free time and social interaction.
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
¨Emptiness and Fullfillment, Clear in the Forest¨
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
The current project specifically contemplates the following spaces and elements:
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
The creation of a clearing in the forest for gatherings in the urban park, a protected space surrounding by a covered area, an empty space full of content, accessible from all sides, a natural setting surrounded by vegetation.
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
Creation of a space as a crossroads, increasing the value of the existing trees.
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
Creation of an outdoor playground in relation to the Zelaieta center.
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
Outdoor cafe seating areas in the existing building and wooden deck for use in summer.
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
The Txiki Otaegi street becomes a semi-pedestrian way, giving access to the parking lot on its own street, bringing together pedestrians and traffic thanks to its illuminated light fixtures.
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
The integration of the Zelaieta center in the park vision, accentuating the Zelaieta building.
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
Location and design of the parking lot access is solved by using occasional architectural elements of techtonic design with glass and stone, where pedestrian access and the exhaust ventilation system are solved by integration.
© G&C ARQUITECTOS . Published on March 04, 2013.
EVALUATION
The new design has expanded and optimized the uses of the park. It gives service to a wide range of ages and is a focal point of community and social activities. The internal trajectories have been rationalized so that a large number of people can use it daily.
Now more aesthetically pleasing, it has generated a positive response and ambience in the community.