Remodelling of the most central and relevant public space in Puigcerdà, originally very much deteriorated, with an excessive amount of traffic that diminished the civic and integrating potential of the space.

Traffic is eliminated, concentrating road and service communication on one side, freeing up a large central space. Two large linear flowerbeds protect the pacified area from the bustle of traffic working as filters between the two. A number of elements of street furniture simultaneously emphasise the physical and visual limit of the squares themselves. The space, which is very irregular with a highly uneven perimeter, is geometrised and arranged using granite as the sole material for paving, as a support of the different uses and distinguishing the areas with different formats, weaving a tapestry of great expressiveness. The lighting and urban furniture elements are arranged in line with the directrices marked by this area. Now the squares are conceived as a space conducive to rest and encounters, that allows the surrounding architecture to be heard, the chorus of traditional buildings the squares have as a backdrop.

Squares In Puigcerdà - Photograph by Eugeni Pons

• Project name: Squares in Puigcerdà
• Architect: Pepe Gascón
• Project Team: Josep Gascón, Jesús Gallego, Pau Estruch, Jordi Escofet
• Photographer: Eugeni Pons
• Location: Places de Santa Maria i Dels Herois, Puigcerdà, Girona, Spain
• Developer: Ajuntament de Puigcerdà
• Construction Company: Flotats, S.A.
• Project year: 2008 – 2009
• Project area: 6.000,00 m2
• Cost: 1.563.130,42€
• Location link via Google Maps

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