Europan 17: Torrelavega is a winning proposal by Estudio Mars and Manuel Villalain for Europan and Ayuntamiento de Torrelavega in 2023. It is located in Torrelavega Spain in an industrial and railway setting. Its scale is large with a surface of 54.000 sqm.

Within Torrelavega’s urban landscape, a symbolic scar stands as a testament to the city’s unwavering spirit and capacity for transformation.. This scar, once a tender wound, metamorphoses into a symbol of strength and resilience, telling a compelling story of healing. As time passes, the scar may fade, but its significance can only deepen, becoming an integral part of Torrelavega’s urban fabric—a cherished memory preserved with pride. Situated strategically near two nationally significant highways, Torrelavega’s intervention area, despite facing forced isolation due to railway layouts, presents an opportunity for revitalization. The project envisions this area as the new gateway to the city, seeking to connect the northern zone with the central city and emphasizing key aspects like natural environments, cultural heritage, water management, inclusivity, and quality public spaces.

The urban intervention strategy revolves around creating a green axis along former railway tracks and establishing perpendicular pedestrian connections. Preservation of elements with potential for new uses is a priority, with new structures complementing the urban fabric and contributing to the green axis. Typological variety is maintained to embrace Torrelavega’s diverse and complex character.

Addressing mobility concerns, existing road axes are preserved, and new green corridors are proposed for pedestrian movement. The project envisions a multi-mobility hub and underground bike lines, with a flexible above-ground parking layer that can adapt to evolving mobility trends. Water management integrates innovative drainage systems, rainwater harvesting, and native vegetation to enhance biodiversity. The project goes beyond a mere urban intervention and emerges as a beacon of hope for biodiversity, incorporating pollinator species, wildlife habitats, and climate-adaptive plant species to establish a harmonious coexistence between urban life and nature.

Economically, the project revolves around sustainability and resource optimization. Emphasis is placed on reutilization and recycling to minimize expenses and waste management. By striking a balance between private use and public spaces, the project fosters a cohesive urban fabric, encouraging diverse activities within a vibrant community. In essence, Torrelavega’s urban intervention transcends physical transformations; it is a holistic approach that acknowledges the city’s emotional and mental fortitude. It aspires to create a sustainable, resilient, and vibrant urban environment, weaving together the threads of history, nature, and community into a cohesive and thriving tapestry.

3160-EMA-ES-2023 — Posted in 2024 — Explore more projects on masterplan and public space — Climate: oceanic / maritime and temperate — Coordinates: 43.351667, -4.050889 — Team: Manuel Mateu Sanchis, Manuel Villalain Gonzalez — Views: 985