A 27-year-old architect has won the competition for the renovation of Plaza del Carmen in Chueca, distinguished by her sustainable and contemporary proposal. Celia Peces, a member of the young firm A Línea Arquitectura, presented the project titled “Con C, de Chueca,” which aims to transform a currently degraded space into an accessible and cohesive meeting place for the community.
The Chueca Town Hall recently announced the results of the ideas competition, where Peces’s proposal stood out among the ten submitted. Her design focuses on a new geometric order that unifies the plaza of approximately 1,000 m², adapting to the characteristics of the site. The spiral pavement she proposes not only resolves elevation changes but also organizes areas for gathering, shade, and circulation, both pedestrian and vehicular.
Furthermore, the intervention addresses specific issues related to stormwater runoff that affects the homes located at the lower levels of the plaza. For this, draining flowerbeds have been designed to allow for the natural infiltration of water, contributing to the sustainability of the space.
Peces emphasizes that the plaza was very fragmented, and her project seeks to unify it through floor geometries that resolve the slopes. Accessible ramps and benches in shaded areas are key elements to provide comfortable and protected spaces for visitors.
A notable aspect of the project is the sensitive management of the existing trees. Diseased trees will be replaced with alignments of hackberry trees and olive trees, a symbolic element that echoes the municipal coat of arms. Peces highlights the importance of trees not only for the shade they provide but also for their capacity to recover the identity of the urban space.
The proposal will be executed with a tight budget, prioritizing low-cost but highly durable materials. The use of exposed aggregate concrete, natural stone, and photocatalytic pavers is anticipated, which will also contribute to air and water decontamination. Additionally, the reuse of some existing street furniture is planned.
All the architects at A Línea, also 27 years old and from different municipalities in Toledo, have contributed to the realization of the project. Peces emphasizes the significance of such competitions, which allow them to showcase their skills and collaborate in improving an environment they know well.
The initiative, promoted by the Chueca Town Hall and supported by various institutions, is envisioned as an exemplary model of urban regeneration in small towns. Gema González-Badillo, vice-dean of the Official College of Architects of Castilla-La Mancha, has pointed out the project’s potential to generate value and foster synergies with tourism and the restaurant industry.
The winning project not only received a monetary award but will also carry out the drafting of the execution project and construction management, with a total investment expected to exceed 140,000 euros. As González-Badillo concludes, “Con C, de Chueca” not only transforms a plaza but establishes a model to follow for other municipalities in their search to activate young talent and build more sustainable and humane environments.
via: MiMub in Spanish
