Valencia - Residential & Public Space Design

Project idea

Our main idea was to create a neighborhood where greenery is a main and central point. Bigg green areas are surrounded by residential blocks and they are a places for residents to host different activities of the city. What is more, the facility building touches this green, active area. We are using this idea and creating a cultural centre next to the park, to make a connection between art, culture and relaxation. Kindergarten is open to the second green area. We think that the views are very important for the residents. Due to the concept, we really like Catalonian projects and shapes of the building which create small private gardens. Thanks to pedestrian streets, together they create a pleasant place for living.

Project description

Public spaces act important role in designed neighbourhood.
To provide comfortable living, there are different areas that can be used by
residents and citizens.

NORTH PARK
Firstly, there are three parks. Two of them, the smaller ones were designed as regular geometrical spaces, each for a different purpose. In the north part, there is a sensational park close to kindergarten to show children different smells, and textures.

SOUTH PARK
The South part has a small park as well. The same geometrical strategy was applied there. This one, far from playgrounds and the laud center of the plot, is a calm place to relax in the natural surroundings – flowers, trees, and water. Reference for this part is Desert Plaza In Barakaldo by NO.MAD. Its shape creates small private spaces in narrow paths with a view of the water and greenery. In two main entrance paths are extruded to small scale square to invite people inside

CENTRAL PARK
The main green area is situated in the center of the plot. To highlight
the different character of this place it is freer next to the other parks.
Teres shapes create different functions in this active central point of the neighborhood. There are places to sit and relax, a playground, an outdoor gym, and a garden with vegetables and herbs. Baotou Vanke Central Park by ZAP Associates LLC is a reference for the use of curves
and the important role of water, very important is such a hot climate like in Valencia.

SQUARES
The main concept was to have an attractive public area as a whole. That is why all parks, squares, and pedestrian roads are connected. Water is the first connector – it appears in every park and simulates the visual continuity of the spaces. Two main squares are also combined into this concept. The one in front of the facility, pedestrian road and central park form whole area, that fluently change its functions and materials of pavements. The second square transform into the north park by changing materials too.

Technical information

Materiality of the Open Spaces
Materiality plays different roles in the project. Firstly, it creates
the connection between all spaces and show the main active path
in the plot which are colourful lines made of crushed ceramics
with an anti-slip envelope. It is safe and what is the most
important – it is a strong element of the design that lead
pedestrian through the whole public space from one to another.

Materiality is extremely important in North Park (Park of
Senses). As touch is on of senses, there are Roman
travertine marble floor tiles, concrete, grass, Kentucky
bluegrass and gravels. On all surfaces, kids from kindergarten
and generally from Valencia can walk and learn.

The playground is another place where materiality plays important
role. To provide safety, there is a Coloured rubber surface. What
is more, the play area is reduced (in the hole) in relation to the street,
so parents from residential blocks can almost see their
children from the windows and at the same time they can be
sure about their protection.

Street furniture
Different furniture top whole design up. Depending on the function and character of the space there are few types of benches. Starting from the north part. In the park, we have circular and arched places to sit where people and kids can meet close to flowers, colourful trees etc. On the squares next to the park and in front of the cultural centre, there
are simple concrete benches that can be lighted up for a night.