Location Teruel (Spain)
Client Diputación General de Aragón
Area 10.048 m²
Year 2003
Status Completed-Built
Collaborator David Chipperfield Architects
Typology Urban Design
Photography Hisao Suzuki
Team Fermín Vázquez, Peco Mulet, Marc Albiol, Cristina Algás, Albert Arraut, Katrin Baumgarten, Sonia Cruz, Ema Dunner, Iker Gil, Itziar Imaz, Javier Lopez, Eduard Miralles, Agustín Miranda, Takayuki Nakajima, Magdalena Ostornol, Doris Sewczyk, Ana Stackic, Cristian Zanoni
The project is part of the winning proposal of an international competition to transform the urban front of Teruel and improve accessibility conditions to the historic center. To this end, a mechanical element is incorporated to complement the current access through the neo-Mudejar staircase built in the early 20th century.
The intervention contemplates the remodeling and connection of the Plaza de la Estación with the historic center and the reform of the Paseo del Óvalo in order to enhance its function as a viewpoint and dignify the spaces around the Escalinata.
At the lower level, the Station Square takes the form of a paved surface on which the monument sits and enhances its value. A new white stone path is laid out over the square like a carpet. This slightly sloped path leads the visitor to a cavity in the city wall, a flared opening that highlights the access space and leads to a well of natural light. At the top, the volume generated by the new access is resolved with a gesture of minimal visual impact that avoids competing with the staircase.
Through the intensive use of cobblestone paving, the intervention on the Paseo del Óvalo aims to return to the space its quality of urban hall and highlight its architectural values to enhance its pedestrian and civic use.
