Integrating Sand into Comillas’ Seafront
Situated on Spain’s northern coast, the town of Comillas boasts a remarkable architectural legacy, most notably the El Capricho, a rare creation by Antoni Gaudí outside Catalonia. Amidst this historic setting, the seafront, known as the seaside walkway, has undergone a striking transformation by Hector Navarro + arkhitekton, reflecting an evolving bond with the Cantabrian Sea. Rather than viewing sand as merely an obstacle, this project embraces it as a dynamic element within the promenade, allowing sand carried by wind and visitors to settle in planted areas and permeable surfaces, seamlessly integrating into the public space.
Comillas Dune Promenade: Dune Inspiration Bridges Town and Shoreline
Taking cues from the natural dune ecosystems of the Cantabrian coastline, the design team has crafted a unique landscape that bridges the urban area of Comillas with its beach. The passage employs a blend of vegetation, permeable materials, and minerals to adapt to the coast’s shifting conditions. Limestone riprap strengthens the connection to the rugged coastal terrain, while the use of permeable materials ensures that water and sand naturally interact with the landscape architecture.
Reimagining Comillas’ Waterfront with Versatile Spaces
The boardwalk is thoughtfully dotted with individual benches, offering serene vantage points to admire the sea, free from the interruption of continuous street furniture. By reducing vehicular presence and expanding pedestrian space, the project prioritizes public accessibility. This approach eschews alien installations, instead harnessing the site’s inherent dynamics—wind, sand, vegetation, and water—to craft a revitalized public landscape for Comillas, highlighting the innovative coastal design.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the new design approach for Comillas’ seafront?
The project embraces sand as a dynamic element, integrating it with planted areas and permeable surfaces within the promenade.
How does the Comillas promenade connect the town and shoreline?
The design takes inspiration from natural dune ecosystems, using vegetation, permeable materials, and minerals to connect the urban area with the beach.
What elements enhance public accessibility in Comillas’ waterfront project?
By reducing vehicular presence and expanding pedestrian space, the project prioritizes public accessibility and offers serene vantage points free from continuous street furniture.