Virxe do Carme neighborhood public space. A Coruña. Competition. 1st prize

The Virxe do Carme Complex is a carefully designed social housing complex built for fishermen in the 1930s. However, the public space of the complex has been neglected for decades. In the moment of the intervention, it lacked any clear structure and functionality. Parking pervaded every space. Accessibility was difficult. There were barely any green areas. The proposal aimed to translate the original quality of the housing complex to the public space. We create a very homogeneous ground surface that materially unifies all the spaces, but that is geometrically differentiated in a multitude of paving patterns. Parking is regulated and minimized in order to create broad pedestrian areas. We introduce new public uses and reinforce those already existing in the former central plaza and sports areas. Economically, the operation was extremely under-budgeted ($65/10sqf). While the selection of materials reflects this limitation, the careful design and dimensional generosity of the streets creates a strong feeling of urban quality.

Program: Public Space
Design: Roi Salgueiro Barrio
Francisco Rosell Muñíz
Status: Built
Consultants: Arqco
Client: Concello da Coruña
Area: 12.000 m²
Budget: 1.250.000€
Year: 2007-2011.

Virxe do Carme neighborhood public space. Competition. First prize