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1. As the old city center of Alcobendas already has
a mixed and confusing urban landscape, what needs to be proposed
is a clear and simple architecture.
2. Given the narrowness of the urban space, the square should
be visually expansive and open.
3. As it should be a space where people can meet, an urban
living room, it should be formed by horizontal surfaces made
by creating terraced areas in the sloped plane defined by the
existing underground parking garage and the surrounding streets.
4. As there is a basement beneath the square, it makes no
sense to place any trees above the parking garage, as they would
necessarily be inadequate for the scale of the square.
5. It makes no sense to propose any kind of roofed construction
in the square, as it would take away space and cost too much
money.
6. Although considered initially, it was finally decided that
any intervention on the existing façades enclosing the
square was unfeasible due to the resulting cost, time and legal
problems.
With these initial premises, we proposed a square paved in
Guadarrama grey granite in which the horizontal surfaces and
steps would invite both young and old to come and enjoy them.
Given the local climate and traditions, it seemed to us that
water was an inexcusable element, and better still, water in
movement, with the accompanying sound and coolness it would give
to the square.
Intrinsically, important squares are not only an urban space
where people can meet, a plane with perspective on which structures
are placed, but also as a setting for a symbolic and meaningful
monument, often a piece of sculpture that gives specific content
to the square. As the square concerned is the Plaza de la Artesanía
or Arts and Crafts Square, it would be appropriate to propose
the placement of a work of art of recognized quality, integrated
specifically into the water of the ponds. As a first idea, we
would propose the "Winged Newt" bronze statue by Salvador
Dalí, whose dimensions are 190 x 140 x 100 cm.
Functionally, the entrance to the underground parking garage
serves as a support and stage for the sheets and ponds of water,
enclosing the view of the square in a serene and elegant atmosphere.
The different steps and horizontal platforms are carefully arranged
to create atmospheres that encourage neighbors to meet and areas
for placing the sidewalk cafes of the adjacent cafeterias.
At night, the illuminated ponds, indirect lighting of the walls
and pavings, and light posts will fill the square and its surroundings
with light, creating a safe meeting place and landmark in the
center of Alcobendas.
The height and verticality of the clock tower is designed to
serve as a landmark in the urban fabric of Alcobendas that can
be used as a meeting point for persons strolling in the area.
The different horizontal platforms of the square are connected
topographically with the adjacent sidewalks, creating barrier-free
paths that allow persons with reduced mobility to access all
areas of the square.
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