Previous state
The Boca de la Mina promenade is located north of the Reus railway station and line, in the northwest of this city, home to around 100,000 inhabitants, within the province of Tarragona. The railway line was built in the 19th century, following the pre-existing path that led to the old fountain and mills. At the turn of the century, the construction of the train station altered the original course of the promenade. Later, in the mid-20th century, the station’s expansion and electrification – along with the development of the current Avinguda del Comerç – transformed its morphology, leaving it disconnected from its surroundings.
Today, the promenade retains the original trees that were planted in 1834, and along its route, the same country houses built at the end of the 19th century for the bourgeoisie still stand strong, many of which were designed by the architect Pere Caselles. The promenade is known for its unique landscape and environmental characteristics, such as the two waterways, providing humidity and freshness, and the diversity of flora and fauna that create a highly attractive ecosystem.
Aim of the intervention
The revitalisation of the Boca de la Mina promenade sought to enhance this space of great natural, historical, and emotional importance for the city, fostering activities that infuse it with new life as a place of leisure, whilst preserving its identity.
To this end, three main lines of action were outlined. First, to consolidate its identity as a space for leisure and recreation, sport and healthy lifestyle activities, which respect the environment; second, to promote its cultural and historical value; and third, to preserve the agricultural traditions rooted in this area. This project was a vital part of the city's efforts to conserve its natural spaces, and aimed to maintain the promenade’s current role as a recreational area, featuring soft sandy pathways and plane trees (Platanus), while also addressing the unresolved drainage problems.
Description
To establish an efficient drainage system, the project introduced a new section of the promenade that utilised the existing cross slope, directing water efficiently to retention and infiltration points via the newly designed lateral channels.
Although the trees and path are prominent features, this redevelopment’s crowning jewel is the handcrafted brick paving, a material deeply rooted in the collective imagination and culture of Reus. The different formats and patterns have provided diverse solutions and enriched the overall project.
The promenade’s route lies adjacent to a series of natural, historical and educational interest points, such as the Font del Lleó, the Boca de la Mina, the ramblas (pedestrianised avenues) and the Catalan modernist houses. The proposal has successfully reinterpreted and amplified the significance of each of these locations. A new beach was also designed at the heart of the promenade to improve access to the nearby school. The redevelopment proposed two new spaces linked to the promenade: the Parc de les Olors, a tranquil space for rest and leisure that fosters a dialogue with the ravine of the mill, and the Hort Agrícola del Camp, an agricultural plot used to produce and teach about traditional crops in the region.
Assessment
The careful redevelopment of the new section of the promenade responded to various needs and objectives. Firstly, the drainage system now utilises both the existing cross slope and the new lateral channels, thereby prioritising functionality and environmental sustainability, with retention and infiltration points that play a key role in preserving water resources.
The handcrafted brickwork provides practical and durable solutions, giving the project a distinct aesthetic that blends harmoniously with the site's natural and historical context.
In addition, rethinking specific points of interest along the promenade has enriched the experience for visitors and local residents alike.
Finally, the introduction of a new central square and the expansion of green spaces, such as the Parc de les Olors and the Hort Agrícola del Camp, has not only improved the promenade's visual appeal and functionality, but it also offers new community spaces for interaction and leisure activities.
[Last update: 06/11/2024]
