ALAMEDA DE HERCULES, SEVILLE

Project idea

Proposed Intervention in the Alameda de Hércules: Architectural Rehabilitation and Reinterpretation

This intervention proposes an ambitious rehabilitation of the Alameda de Hércules, a space of great historical and cultural value in Seville, aiming to redefine its role within the contemporary urban fabric. The project is structured around design strategies that combine sustainability, functionality, and a distinctly innovative character, aspiring to restore this landmark to its rightful prominence in the city's dynamic landscape.

Project description

One of the cornerstones of the proposal is the introduction of diverse and strategically arranged vegetation, addressing the lack of natural elements that help mitigate the area's extreme climatic conditions. The incorporation of native medium- and tall-sized species, planted in carefully planned alignments, not only enriches the urban landscape but also creates a more livable microclimate. These plant elements act as passive bioclimatic devices, providing shade, reducing thermal radiation, and improving the environmental quality of the public space.

The most disruptive and iconic element of the project is the creation of a reinterpreted aqueduct. Inspired by the historical infrastructures that once defined the Mediterranean landscape, this aqueduct assumes a new role as an elevated pedestrian walkway. Its minimalist and contemporary design offers an elevated visual and sensory experience, granting privileged views of the surroundings, while also creating a significant spatial impact by layering functional planes. This architectural gesture endows the Alameda with a volumetric and spatial richness that fosters new interactions between users and their environment.

The space beneath the aqueduct is transformed into a multifunctional mixed-use area. Sheltered from direct sunlight by the elevated structure, this zone houses:

A gastronomic area with restaurants and terraces that energize the social and cultural life of the place.
A children’s playground, designed with ergonomic and safety standards, offering a playful space for families.
A dog park, responding to the growing need for urban infrastructures adapted to pets.

This architectural intervention represents a reinterpretation of public space through a contemporary language that engages in dialogue with the historical past of the Alameda, while projecting a transformative vision for the future. By integrating sustainability principles, inclusive design, and functionality, the project reaffirms the Alameda de Hércules as an emblematic urban epicenter, redefining its identity and granting it renewed relevance as an iconic space in Seville.

Technical information

The intervention in the Alameda de Hércules incorporates a series of architectural and landscape solutions that respond to the climatic, structural, and social conditions of the site, aiming to redefine this iconic public space in Seville from a contemporary and sustainable perspective.

One of the fundamental aspects of the project is the incorporation of diverse and strategically arranged vegetation. Alignments of native and Mediterranean-adapted species are proposed, featuring medium- and tall-sized trees that provide shade, reduce solar radiation, and improve environmental quality. This strategy addresses both the need to mitigate Seville’s high temperatures and the presence of the stormwater tank located beneath the Alameda. This underground infrastructure conditions the surface design and supports the integration of permeable areas that allow the ground to breathe.

The most significant architectural gesture in the proposal is the creation of a reinterpreted aqueduct, constructed from **reinforced concrete**. Conceived as an elevated pedestrian walkway, the structure is inspired by the historic hydraulic infrastructures of the Mediterranean landscape, while adopting a minimalist and contemporary design language. The aqueduct introduces a new elevated circulation level that offers privileged views of the surroundings and creates a functional layering that enhances the spatial experience of the Alameda. Its structural supports are strategically positioned to avoid interference with the stormwater tank beneath the site.

The proposal is guided by strong sustainability and accessibility criteria. It incorporates low-impact materials, drought-resistant vegetation, and sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) to optimize water management and thermal comfort. Additionally, all pathways and functional areas are designed following universal accessibility principles, ensuring the inclusion and safety of all users. Together, the project envisions a respectful yet innovative transformation of the Alameda de Hércules, establishing it as a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready public space.