By In the coastal town of Pilar de la Horadada, Spain, architect Joaquín Alvado Bañón has transformed the urban landscape with the creation of the Pilar de la Horadada Promenade.
Reimagining Urban Spaces
The original layout of the main street and square in Pilar de la Horadada was characterized by irregularities, sharecropping walls, and disjointed parking areas. Bañón envisioned a promenade that captured the essence of walking alongside the sea, with sand, palm trees, and coconuts creating a picturesque pedestrian path.
Bridging the Gap to the Sea
Situated just one kilometer from the coast, Pilar de la Horadada lacked a seamless connection between the town and the beach due to the main road dividing the landscape. The primary goal was to recreate the experience of strolling by the sea, incorporating sensations like sunlight, sand, brightness, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore.
Promoting Pedestrian Connectivity
To facilitate pedestrian movement, Bañón designed a pedestrian level that extends from the town’s outskirts to the church at the promenade’s end. The main street was segmented into multiple pathways to organize various functions seamlessly.
Crafting Sensory Experiences
The promenade’s pedestrian walkway features the “Piedra del Cabezo,” a stone surface that changes color and brightness, simulating the sensations of walking on sandy shores. As visitors approach the square, vehicular traffic diminishes, and the stone surface transitions into a gentle slope leading to the church entrance.
Integrated Design Elements
Various elements such as parking areas, green spaces, trees, signage, lighting, and seating were interconnected using concrete treatments. Washed, polished, and printed concrete surfaces, adorned with flower motifs, delineate spaces and ensure pedestrian safety.
Creating an Inviting Atmosphere
Stainless steel, colored methacrylate, and polystyrene were employed alongside water features, plants, and trees to evoke the ambiance of a seaside promenade. The design aims to immerse visitors in a multisensory experience, with elements like wind, birds, sunlight, and sea breeze contributing to the overall atmosphere.
Fostering Community Engagement
Above all, the Pilar de la Horadada Promenade serves as a communal space where residents can gather, socialize, and enjoy leisurely strolls. By integrating natural elements and sensory experiences, Bañón has successfully crafted a vibrant public space that celebrates the town’s coastal identity.
