When the course of the river Turia through Valencia was diverted to prevent the floods that periodically affected the city, a substantial strip of land was left that crosses the city from west to east, encompassing the historical centre. Intervention here required an in-depth urbanistic analysis that considered the course of the Turia as a structuring unit of the urban complex. The project was therefore global, although not necessarily uniform. The landscaping design retains water at key points to recall the former presence of the river. The garden is based on geometrical figures that from the central longitudinal axis define the different zones and organize space and itineraries. The different precincts defined by this geometry and surrounded by vegetation have been treated in several ways: monumental public space, botanical gardens, sports facilities and so forth. Sections X and XI, by the Taller de Arquitectura, are based on the original idea and developed within the restrictions of a tight budget. The result is one of the city's most attractive areas.
program: design of an urban park with plantations, fountains and ponds, a botanical garden, and sports and cultural facilities.
client: the city hall of Valencia gross area: 15 ha
