Gustafson Porter + Bowman's Parque Central opens on former Valencia rail yard
by Stu Robarts | 17 Oct 2019
– Mary Bowman
The first phase of a new 23ha (2,500,000sq ft) urban park designed by landscape architect Gustafson Porter + Bowman and built on the site of former railway lines and industrial land has opened in Valencia, Spain.
Parque Central is part of a larger project in the city that will see train lines moved underground to free up a total of 66ha (7,100,000sq ft) of land. The reclaimed land will be used to reintroduce biodiversity, create new public and cultural spaces and reverse social segregation.
The completed, €16m ($18m, £14m) first phase of Parque Central covers 11.5ha (1,200,000sq ft) and already connects a number of previously separated areas of the city.
The park comprises a series of multi-level gardens, including the Children’s Garden, the Romantic Garden, the Flower Garden, the Orchard Garden and the Demetrio Ribes Arts Plaza. There are spaces for art, activities and events.
Materials for landscaping were drawn from the local region and include marble, granite, and Calatorao limestone. Trees, bushes and herb species used for planting are either native to the area or are non-invasive species that have been adapted to the Mediterranean climate.
Mary Bowman, Partner at Gustafson Porter + Bowman said: "Valencia is a Spanish city and a Mediterranean city like no other, with a rich history of agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, not to mention its trade history and history of artisanal and artistic pursuits. I believe we have been successful in capturing the unique qualities of Valencia, delivering a park that is evocative, stimulating, and full of unexpected sensory experiences."
The project began in 2011, with construction starting in 2015. The second phase is due to begin in 2021.
Valencia park urban park Gustafson Porter + Bowman
Parque Central comprises a series of multi-level gardens Credit: Richard Bloom
Areas include the Children’s Garden, the Romantic Garden, the Flower Garden, the Orchard Garden and the Demetrio Ribes Arts Plaza Credit: Richard Bloom
Trees, bushes and herb species planted are either native to the area or are non-invasive species Credit: Richard Bloom
When the park is fully complete it will cover 23ha (2,500,000sq ft) Credit: Richard Bloom
One of the aims of the project that the park is part of is to reintroduce biodiversity Credit: Richard Bloom
The completed first phase cost €16m ($18m, £14m) Credit: Richard Bloom
Water is a central theme of the park's design Credit: Richard Bloom
Food and the Mediterranean landscape are the two other main themes Credit: Richard Bloom
The landscape design acknowledges Valencia’s position as a major trading and cultural centre in European history Credit: Richard Bloom
A canal leads visitors into the heart of the park Credit: Richard Bloom
There are spaces for art, activities and events Credit: Richard Bloom
The park is designed to provide a new focal green space for a range of age groups Credit: Richard Bloom
The park includes 1000 trees, 85,000 bushes and 70 herb species Credit: Richard Bloom
Any non-invasive plants used have been adapted to the Mediterranean climate Credit: Richard Bloom
Different types of vegetation characterise different areas of the park Credit: Richard Bloom
The park also employs a sustainable drainage strategy Credit: Richard Bloom
The completed first phase already connects a number of previously separated areas of the city Credit: Richard Bloom
Part of the city were previously kept separated by the railway tracks and terminus Credit: Richard Bloom
A former agricultural building has been renovated to serve as the offices for the park Credit: Richard Bloom
Parque Central has been developed over eight years Credit: Richard Bloom
The park has already precipitated urban renewal in the adjacent downtown district of Russafa / Ruzafa Credit: Richard Bloom
The completed first phase of Parque Central covers 11.5ha (1,200,000sq ft) Credit: Richard Bloom
Parque Central is built on the site of former railways lines and industrial land Credit: Richard Bloom
It is part of a larger project in the city that will see train lines moved underground to free up 66ha (7,100,000sq ft) of land Credit: Zeppelin
The first phase of a new 23ha (2,500,000sq ft) urban park designed by landscape architect Gustafson Porter + Bowman and built on the site of former railway lines and industrial land has opened in Valencia, Spain. Parque Central is part of a larger project in the city that will see train lines moved underground to free up a total of 66ha (7,100,000sq ft) of land. The reclaimed land will be
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