Plaza de Espana was designed by Herzog & de Meuron Architects and was completed in 2008. The primary design element for the Plaza is a single circular water basin, a huge wading pool for young and old, with a geyser like fountain in the middle. The basin has been built over the remains of a former Castle, of which the graphic marking reveals the castles foundations.
The surrounding mountainous landscape is exemplified through the simple use of water, reflecting and framing the views. The gentle sloping basin and delicate edging of the water welcomes people into the space, forming in effect a sort of amphitheatre-like public space.
The plaza is well lit at night encouraging the public to feel comfortable and use the space throughout the day and into the evening when the plaza creates a more relaxed, romantic atmosphere.
Four pavilions surround the space, which contain tourist information, retail spaces, a café and access to below ground parking. Each pavilion is different in form however they all resemble natural forms, with green walls and individual plants growing up the sides. The incorporation of vegetation in this form helps absorb sound pollution from the surrounding road traffic, and also encourages a cleaner, fresher atmosphere within the space as the plants help clean the air. Throughout this post i sourced information and photos from the web page http://www.landezine.com/index.php/2009/07/plaza-espana/
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