Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas

Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
© Luis Díaz Díaz

REMODELING OF THE PLAZA DE LOS BELGAS

Contxto Arquitectura

LOCATION
Collado Villalba, Spain

PHOTOGRAPHS
Luis Díaz Díaz

AREA
12888 m²

CATEGORY
Square, Public Architecture, Restoration

MANUFACTURERS
AutoDesk, Adobe, Quadro (Outdoor pavements)

  YEAR
2020

Text description provided by architect.

The square is located in the urban epicentre of Collado Villalba and it is pivotal for the public use of the municipality.

Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
© Luis Díaz Díaz
Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
© Luis Díaz Díaz

However, it was a rigid space detached from its surroundings due to the road traffic circulation and the perimeter parking, as well as its lack of uses and its harsh design.

The square was a mere asphalt terrace devoted to hosting the weekly market, containing almost no green or rest areas.

Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
© Luis Díaz Díaz
Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
© Luis Díaz Díaz

The principal aim of the remodeling project of the square was to transform this urban void, which was isolated and not very permeable, into a freer, open and multifunctional space, where the citizen becomes the subject of the action.

Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
© Luis Díaz Díaz
Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
© Luis Díaz Díaz
Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
© Luis Díaz Díaz

This involves a process of humanisation of the place, in which the pedestrian is favoured over the car.

And the paved surface is reduced in order to accommodate larger green areas.

Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
© Luis Díaz Díaz
Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
© Luis Díaz Díaz

Such green areas are not conceived as a mere decorative element, but hold a direct relation with what has been built.

Both the vegetation and the incorporation of new uses, such as the playground, the dry fountain, the rest areas, etc.

Are the premises around which this project revolves.

To provide the open space with content and to encourage a welcoming feeling through the zoning is prioritised.

Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
© Luis Díaz Díaz
Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
© Luis Díaz Díaz
Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
© Luis Díaz Díaz
Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
© Luis Díaz Díaz
Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
© Luis Díaz Díaz

The limits are diluted in the new Plaza de los Belgas, giving way to transitional paths and spaces which uses are interrelated.

In order to achieve the square's total integration into the urban and social context of Collado Villalba.

Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
© Luis Díaz Díaz


Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
Elevation
Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
Elevation
Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
Elevation
Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
Section
Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
Floor Plan
Remodeling of the Plaza de los Belgas
Concept