TURIA RIVERBED, VALENCIA Relevance
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Through core of larger city Twice as wide Sunken site Bound by major streets
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Blank slate Major road was rejected Mediterranean context Crossed by busy roads
Typical snapshot of park
1970
History • 1.7 million people live in metro Valencia • The Turia river flooded massively in 1957 • It was diverted in 1973 at the city limits
Region
Centerpiece: City of Arts and Sciences science museum former river
diverted river Source: Mike Lowe
opera house
planetarium/IMAX
• Architects: S. Calatrava and F. Candela • Major tourist attraction
TURIA RIVERBED, VALENCIA Pedestrian/bicycle pathways well-confined space
poor pedestrian space
raised areas create viewpoints
Source: Flickr user Yosoynacho
variety of path surface Source: Flickr user Sueinvalencia2006
Source: Flickr user Chantrybee
2-way bike facilities Source: Flickr user Sueinvalencia2006
Source: Flickr user Sueinvalencia2006
Ricardo Bofill Plan, 1981
Comprehensive Plan, 1988
“The river is ours and we want it green!” - 1970s slogan
Different uses: horticulture ponds fountains flowers soccer fields rugby field athletics track cafés artwork climbing walls zen garden museums