Eco Boulevard, Vallecas, Madrid

  

 

Architect : Ecosistema Urbano

Year : Phase I 2004-2005 ; Phase II 2006-7

New Vallecas is rather inhuman, deserted and empty suburban area of Madrid / those are my reflections after 3 hours walking around and not meeting anyone../. So it really seems that placing those  temporary "air trees", adding new plants and reducing car circulation by creating only pedestrians' spaces could generate some kind of oasis in the middle of that concrete desert. The idea is to put self-sufficient metal constructions which are using the solar energy /photovoltaic solar energy collection system on the top/ and are filled with plants to create specific microclimate. The shadow, lower temperature, greenery and urban furnitures / hammocks, benches / could attract people and be used as a place to any type of social activities. The constructions are temporary and mobile so they can be used until real trees will grow and can be moved to the other place where this kind of urban intervention is needed.

I really like this kind of urban recycling concept. However, when I was there, 3 months ago, it was really hard to see that those constructions are generating any social life. There was no one but maybe it is not surprising because Vallecas during the day, in a week time, in that unbearable heat seems to not have any inhabitants.

section and plan from Ecosistema Urbano website