The reactivation of Plaza del Carme, undertaken by unparelld’arquitectes, aimed to breathe new life into this historic square located in the heart of Olot. Recognizing the integral role of commerce in urban vitality, the project focused on enhancing the vibrancy, comfort, and safety of the public space, with a particular emphasis on revitalizing closed shops and fostering engagement through storefront interactions.
Transforming the Urban Landscape
The evolving landscape of consumer behavior has posed challenges to many city centers, leading to a decline in commercial activity. Understanding that the vitality of streets hinges on the activity behind their façades, the urban renewal efforts centered on activating vacant ground floor premises. The storefronts became focal points for fostering connections between the public realm and private enterprises, blurring the boundaries and creating inviting spaces for interaction.
Collective Vision and Collaboration
The “Good morning, Carme!” project emerged from a collective aspiration to rejuvenate Plaça del Carme. Departing from traditional urban planning paradigms, the project allocated a significant portion of resources to ground floor interventions, including the opening of the city’s Art School and the refurbishment of a warehouse for a consumer cooperative. Collaboration was key, involving multiple stakeholders, including developers, shopkeepers, and community members, united by a shared vision for renewal.
Acupuncture Approach to Urban Intervention
Inspired by acupuncture, the project adopted a strategic approach, employing a catalog of actions to enrich the relationship between the street and ground floor spaces. These interventions included planting trees to complement façades, enhancing street lighting, repurposing empty openings for artistic displays, and redesigning shop windows to promote transparency and engagement with the streetscape.
Community Engagement and Adaptive Planning
Throughout the nine-month project duration, the “Carme office” served as a hub for collaborative ideation and decision-making. Bringing together residents, business owners, property developers, and technical experts, the office facilitated dialogue, managed logistics, and mediated conflicts. By dividing the project into stages, the team remained flexible and responsive to evolving needs, ensuring that the revitalization efforts were tailored to the community’s aspirations.
Conclusion: A Renewed Urban Experience
In conclusion, the reactivation of Plaza del Carme exemplifies the transformative power of collaborative urban renewal. Through thoughtful design interventions, community engagement, and adaptive planning, unparelld’arquitectes has revitalized this historic square, creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. The project stands as a testament to the potential of collective action in shaping the future of urban spaces.
