Plaza Mercado del Carmen

Date

Urban Design

Customer

Private Developer

Project Type

Urban Design

Location

Mercado del Carmen, Huelva

Description

This project redefines the urban and architectural structure of the area by replacing deteriorated buildings, except for those with consolidated structures or façades of environmental interest. The proposal maintains the existing urban layout while transforming the former market space—currently an open-air parking lot—into a spacious public plaza, seamlessly connected to the surrounding streets and rest areas.

The ground floors of multi-family buildings are designated for commercial use, allowing full occupancy by businesses to enhance urban activity and strengthen the pedestrian character of the district.

Plaza Design

The plaza design revolves around a series of “islands” that introduce new textures to the public space while integrating lighting elements and ornamental vegetation. These organic forms create diverse environments, from gathering and leisure areas to versatile spaces for various activities.

Different materials are used for paving and for the pillars supporting the shading structures, creating subtle subzones without physical separations. The shading elements feature fluid, organic designs, filtering light through intricate patterns that add visual richness and define the open-air spaces.

Additionally, the plaza includes strategically placed access points to an underground parking facility, improving mobility while eliminating the visual impact of surface-level parking.