THE SPINE:WEAVING LA LINEA
Urban Design For Borderlands Group 13
A PLACE OF UNREST: WHERE POLITICAL AND ECONOMICAL CONFLICTS MEETS The Strait of Gibraltar, flanked by the Strait of Algeciras, is a historically significant crossroads connecting Europe and Africa. Marked by the iconic Pillars of Hercules, it has played a pivotal role in naval exploration, conquest, and trade, drawing the interests of civilizations like the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, and European powers. The Rock of Gibraltar, strategically located on its northern side, has been a focal point for geopolitical rivalries, reflecting broader Mediterranean dynamics. Today, this region remains vital for maritime connectivity. La Línea de la Concepción, on the Spanish side, shares a complex relationship with Gibraltar, influenced by proximity, leading to economic and social implications, shaped by historical territorial disputes and negotiations. It stands as an intriguing intersection of history and diplomacy.
Malaga
Gibraltar Airport
Alcalà de los Gazules
UK
220,698 Departures 222,911 Arrivals In 2022
SPAIN Abandoned Railways Castellar
San Roque Los Barrios La Linea Conception Daily 2022 10,000
36,000
180
40
Tourist Land Frontier 2022 7,708,300
2,509,800
Gibraltar,UK Algeciras
213,527 Arrivals
to the Marina of Gibraltar in 2022
Tarifa
19 Ferries A day From Algeciras to Ceuta
19 Ferries A day From Ceuta to Algeciras
Up to 30 Ferries A day Algeciras to Tangier
Tanger
Tangier to Algeciras
24 Ferries A day Algeciras to Tangier Md 24 Ferries A day Tangier Md to Algeciras
Ksar es-Seghir
MOROCCO
Ceuta, Spain
SPACES FOR SOCIALITY AND COUNTER-SPACES
Laguna
North of La Linea
Palmones
Guadarranque
Estación de tren Los Barrios
Abandoned Railways Campamento
Port of La Linea La Linea Gibralta Border Gibraltar Airport
Algeciraz Port Bobadilla-Algeciras
Algeciraz Port
Estación de tren Algeciras
Port of Gibraltar
6
2
8
6
2
8
5
6
2
8
5
6
2
8
5
6
2
8
5
6
2
8
2
4
1
6
2
7
8
2
4
1
6
2
7
8
2
4
1
6
2
7
8
Cafe
Cafe 6
Cafe
2
8
Palmones and Surroundings 6
2
Across the port of Algeciras
8
4
2
1
6
2
8
7
Cafe
7
8
8
7
8
1
8
7
8
1
8
7
8
9
1
8
9
1
9
9
Through Guadarranque
Along the beach of Algeciras 1
2
1
9
5
8
8
1
2
1
9
5
8
4
8
1
2
1
9
5
8
4
8
1
2
1
9
5
8
1
2
4
8
1
2
4
1
2
1
2
5
6
8
2
Across the port of La Linea 5
6
Through Campamento The Rock
8
2
Airport
5
6
5
6
LA LINEA Spain
8
2
LA LINEA Spain
8
2
2
4
1
6
2
7
8
2
4
1
6
2
7
8
2
4
LA LINEA Spain
LA LINEA Spain
Palmones and Surroundings
1.Street
1
2.Pedestrian 2
4
6
2
3.Square 1
7
6
7
7
Border
Border
Border
GIBRALTAR United Kingdom
The Rock
Airport
GIBRALTAR United Kingdom Airport
The Rock
GIBRALTAR United Kingdom
The Rock
Airport
GIBRALTAR United Kingdom
Across the Border 8
4.Parking 2
Border
5.Open-space 8
8
6.Bicycle path
7.Beach
8.Sea
9.Indusrty
La Línea de la Concepción, known colloquially as La Línea, stands as a town of architectural intrigue on the southern Spanish coast. Nestled at the border of Gibraltar, this settlement plays a pivotal role in the urban landscape of the region, blending contemporary design and historic influences. Its urban fabric is shaped by the dynamic interactions and connections
with
territory La
the
of
Línea’s
British
Gibraltar.
architectur-
al character reflects its dual role as a gateway and a backdrop for cross-border economic and cultural dynamics.
Moreover,
the
town’s built environment has, over time, provided a tangible stage for diplomatic
discussions
negotiations
and
pertaining
to historical territorial disputes in the area. Within its architectural fabric, La Línea serves as an emblematic intersection of history, diplomacy, and regional urban design.
PUBLIC SPACES
Political Value
Symbolic Value
Social Value
Public space offers a political stage/forum for representation, dispaly and action.
Space is a symbolic and representative of the collective and of socialbility.
Space affords common ground-for social interaction, intermingiling and communication.
Control
Connection
Estadio Municipal Stadium
01
02
Civility
Princesa Sofía Park
Animation
Plaza de Toros El Arenal
Ownership
Public
Public
Public
-
-
Control
Mixed
Free
Mixed
None
Free
Proximity
Close
Close
Close
Close
Close
Accessibility
16 min
9 min
14 min
19 min
19 min
Thersholds
Blocked
Open
Blocked
Blocked
Open
Maintenance
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Facilities
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Visual Permeability
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Multi
Park
Multi
Ownership
Functionality
Abandoned Abandoned
THRESHOLDS OF CONCEPT APPROACH
Connections The Disconnect: With public transport provided only along the South-west.The city has become dependent on private modes of movement. This lack has also resulted in network of neglected spaces along the east and the north.
Transport Mapping The Connections: Even though the east shore has an unobstructed access and view to the water, not many people use it. The reason being the lack of supporting infrastructure, and the poor connection to the city center and the west.
Density Mapping The Extent: With all main functions concentrated along southern border region. The density of use and traffic is higher in the core and border zone and it reduces as we move out creating a potential development area up North. High
Low Medium
5 MIN
10 MIN
5 MIN 5 MIN 10 MIN
10 MIN 10 MIN
5 MIN 5 MIN
5 MIN 10 MIN 10 MIN
5 MIN
10 MIN
10 MIN
5 MIN
10 MIN 5 MIN
Mobility Train
Bike & Pedestrian
Green Boulevard
Green Park
Green Way Green Way
Green Infrastructure
Bus
Strategy Plan
The Spine is a transformative force, reshaping La Linea by countering the impact of the Gibraltar Border
and creating
a central nexus in the North Expansion. This metaphorical and tangible spine, empowered by a railway network, turns the North into a catalyst for change, revitalizing spaces and strengthening the existing and building new metropolitan hubs. It tells a story of connectivity and resilience, reshaping the city by weaving connections between East and West and North and South. The Northern Catalyst counterbalances the border, fostering collaboration and connectivity, amplifying accessibility within the Bay and Spain, and revitalizing existing infrastructure. The strategic urban plan positions La Linea as the Cultural and Sports hub of the Bay, committing to community pride. The urban corridor, merging east-west and north-south axes, optimizes infrastructure and green pathways. Strategic nodes for gastronomy, ecology, and culture, enriches the evolving cityscape, fostering interconnectedness in a holistic vision.
Abandoned Train Station
Allocating sport facilities
Proposed new location for the cruise port �
Allocating the proposed high-tech project to the northern part of the city
Current Conditions
GREEN!
ABANDON SPACES!
CARS EVERYWHERE
SEPERATION
FENCES!
NO PROPER INFRASTRUCTURE
LAYERS OF THE SPINE
WHAT LA LINEA IS WAITING FOR!
TRAIN CONNECTION
ACCESSIBILITY INDEPENDENCE FROM GIBRALTAR
TRANSFORMATION!
Approach Following the narrative to seamlessly merge eastwest and north-south axes, an urban corridor and verdant infiltration enhances the cityscape, optimizing existing infrastructure and green pathways. The railway, a pivotal transport node, anchors the western side, complemented by an adjacent gastronomy node for a fluid transition. Progressing eastward, the transport node transforms into an ecological hub, harmonizing urban development with sustainability. Through the innovation center’s southward expansion, the corridor converges into a nexus of cutting-edge initiatives. The green infiltration pairs with a cultural node, strategically connecting interventions with the city fabric. Next to the hospital, a priority medical center links seamlessly to a residential area for both healthcare and the broader urban community. This strategic urban plan weaves innovation, culture, and ecology into the evolving cityscape. The seamless integration of the east-west and north-south axes in this urban corridor is further enriched by the synergy between existing infrastructure and verdant pathways. This strategic urban plan unfolds as a holistic vision, elevating the evolving cityscape to new heights of interconnectedness and vibrancy.
GREEN INFILTRATION
RESIDENTIAL
UNIVERSITY
RAILWAY
CULTURE
ECOLOGICAL
TRANSPORTATION
EAST- WEST CORRIDOR GASTRONOMY
HOSPITAL BOULEVARD
NORTH- SOUTH CORRIDOR UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY PRODUCTION
URBAN CORRIDOR
Phase 1
GREEN INFILTRATION
RESIDENTIAL
UNIVERSITY RAILWAY
CULTURE
ECOLOGICAL
TRANSPORTATION
EAST- WEST CORRIDOR GASTRONOMY
HOSPITAL BOULEVARD
NORTH- SOUTH CORRIDOR UNIVERSITY GREEN INFILTRATION
PRODUCTION
URBAN CORRIDOR RESIDENTIAL
UNIVERSITY RAILWAY
CULTURE
Phase 2
ECOLOGICAL
TRANSPORTATION
EAST- WEST CORRIDOR GASTRONOMY
HOSPITAL BOULEVARD
NORTH- SOUTH CORRIDOR UNIVERSITY PRODUCTION
URBAN CORRIDOR PRODUCTION
Phase 3
Station,Gastronmy and University
Innovation,Greens and Cultural
University and residential
Proposed Master Plan
Green Infiltration and the Boulevard
Residential Cluster
Urban Internal Corridor
Unersity and the internal corridor merging into one!
Zoomed in Master Plan Concept The train station maximizes the elevated abandoned railway track, raised 3m above its surroundings. This design provides the first view of La Linea and the Rock upon arrival. The ground floor serves a mixed-use purpose, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The Piazza in front guides visitors to both the new intervention and the city center through the pedestrian spines.To the East lies the innovation center while on its west the railway lads to gastronmy area which acts both as a buffer nad as a cohesion force between the exisiting residential area in the surrounding and the influx from the Railway. To its South, a technical university is proposed which will be served by the innovation center and the existing small scale metal manufacturing industries on its Eastern edge. These industries will slowly be infiltrated with greens from the Hill which will also serve the exisiting metropolitan hub, Hospital, of La linea. This slow infiltration and phases of change will allow the new intervention to blend in with the exisiting cityscape of La linea.
The Railway Plaza
Innovation center
Perspective Section