By Unveiling Tíjola’s Urban Fabric
Tíjola, with its diverse physical and topographical attributes, showcases a unique urban layout characterized by a central core of winding streets. As the town approaches the valley, the topography softens, giving rise to a more structured layout. However, at higher elevations, particularly where cave neighborhoods emerge and interface with the rolling hills to the south, the urban configuration becomes less defined. In these areas, informal buildings and unorganized spaces sprawl, creating pockets of unresolved urban landscapes.
A Space Laden with History
Nestled within one of these “unresolved” spaces lies the project area, which holds immense cultural and religious significance for Tíjola. The Loma del Calvario serves as the backdrop for the solemn procession of “el Calvario” on Good Friday, tracing a zigzagging path among pine trees and stations of the cross. This revered tradition underscores the profound connection between the public space and the town’s collective memory, shaping the current layout of the ascent up the hill.
Revitalizing Urban Spaces
The urban renewal of Tíjola’s La Loma del Calvario demands a thoughtful approach to preserve its historical heritage while enhancing its usability for future generations. This entails reinterpreting the existing public space to establish new connections with the natural environment and urban areas. By revitalizing the surrounding spaces, the town can redefine its relationship with its periphery, reinstating the Loma’s significance within the broader urban and territorial context.
Integrating Nature and Urbanism
The proposed intervention aims to seamlessly integrate reforestation efforts with urban development, creating a cohesive transition zone between the town and the forest. This involves extending the forest into the urban realm or blurring the boundaries between urban and natural landscapes as they converge on the hillside. The revitalized Loma will serve as a hub for leisure activities and community gatherings, fostering a sense of cohesion and identity within the town.
Embracing Collective Memory
Central to the proposal is the preservation of collective memory and cultural traditions, which serve as guiding principles for the renewal of La Loma del Calvario. By incorporating the pine grove as a central element, the design reimagines access routes and spatial organization, drawing inspiration from the town’s rich heritage and festive celebrations. The integration of open spaces and recreational amenities reflects a collaborative effort to honor the town’s past while embracing its future.
Rethinking Urban Spaces
Furthermore, the project seeks to revitalize vacant areas between Nueva Calle Puntal and the Loma, proposing an “urbanized” reforestation approach to enhance mid-hill spaces. Retaining walls and terraced landscapes define existing paths, creating a seamless transition to the Loma del Calvario. The reconfigured park serves as a precursor to the main site, setting the stage for a holistic urban renewal initiative.
Enhancing the Journey
To enhance the visitor experience, the project extends existing trails and incorporates subtle variations in paving to encourage contemplation and interaction with the landscape. These enhancements not only mitigate gradients for accessibility but also offer panoramic viewpoints, allowing visitors to appreciate the valley and town from unique vantage points along the path.
In essence, the La Loma Del Calvario project represents a harmonious blend of cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and urban revitalization, ensuring that Tíjola’s rich heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.
