The basis of the project stars from the idea to formalize the dynamics of the torrents. The torrents are streams with intermittent flows typical of Mediterranean climates. This means that in times of heavy rain the water drag down all kinds of materials, while in times of drought, there are small grooves that draw an intertwined trace in the earth.
The project area is situated next to the old velodrome and Gandhi Square, just above the Gully of El Escorial, but is now buried.
Gandhi Park design responds to the desire to create a new space for civic use, leisure and public relations and also suggests the existing landscape. The main criteria that guided the project was:
– To make reference the existing torrent.
– Link the various green spaces mandated by the POUM.
– Create a space in balance between mobility and permanence.
Three main roads are intertwined, connecting Gandhi Square and Avenue of the Catalan Countries. At the same time, a new topography is generated through a concrete wall tiling with pine slats of Flanders. These walls (max 45 ° tilt, max 1 m height.) generate dunes and ‘rest areas’ that evoke the islands of sedimentation.
On this three-dimensional plot, the vegetation planted in the dunes provides the dominant factor of the new park. A colorful mosaic of grasses and perennials causes an explosion of sensations on users.
The floor of the ‘rest areas’ is formed by river gravels fixed with resin, it has a natural look wich reminds the sedimentary materials carried by the streams.
New planting trees common in riparian forests identifies traces of the ancient gully. Poplars (Populus nigra italica, Populus tremula) are planted in the ‘rest areas’ with the primary function of generating shadow while highlighting the relationship of these species with water.
Following the three-dimensional plot created by modeling the field proposes a game consisting of a mound covered with continuous security rubber floor to run, jump and roll in a fun and safe way.
Design Team: Green Effect Landscape architects, Josep Selga Landscape studio
Location: Reus / Tarragona /Spain
Client: Municipality of Reus
Area: 9.622 m2
Project: 2007
Constructed: 2011
Budget: 807.441,72 €
Building coordination engineer: Carolina Sendra
Photos and Text: Green Effect (Anna Terricabras, Asier Ibero)
