Rotterdam-based office for urban design and landscape architecture West 8, in collaboration with Sener & Gestec, have designed this entry for the Valencia Central Park Competition. Their proposal achieved a place on the competition shortlist. The design presented here is a concept for Parque Central inspired by the Valencian tradition of solid narrative and poetry.
More images and description of the project after the break.
The park is reflection of the local identity of Valencia and is designed for current and future generations with its history and authentic traditions as a guide. The basic composition of the elements are closely linked to the description of Valencia that Spanish poet Antonio Gala gives in his poem, “Piropo a Valencia.”
The history of gardens and patios of Valencia guide the park’s overall composition. The park consists of sequences of gardens where water, trees and flowers ornament and enliven the park. The park exudes an atmosphere of fertility and pleasure to the city. It is designed to be a place of contemplation and reflection, enjoyment and the experience of intimate moments with nature. In addition, it is civic space for the activity of social life: a place for families to enjoy sports, shows and culture.
The integration of the park in the urban context is of critical importance. The park’s permeability towards adjacent neighbourhoods emphasizes the intimate city-park relationship. The connection to the new southern entrance-avenue to the city, linking the historical centre, the river and the Valencian orchards is an important visual axis that penetrates into the park through ‘the meadow of oranges.’
This new boulevard reinserts to the heart of Valencia the landscape that has been slowly driven away by urban developments. The railway reserve, currently an iron barrier, will become a green aromatic carpet that culminates in a large park; it provides a new welcoming image for the city.
Architects: West 8 with Sener & Gestec Location: Valencia, Spain Name: Central Park Valencia Client: Consorcio Valencia Parque Central Design: 2010 Size: 23 ha.
via Bustler
