BREATHING BACK

Team Point of View

A territorial opportunity arises with the ravine as it passes through Chiva, in a position between two large-scale fluvial corridors it can be seen as a strategic transversal link. The proposal considers it as a landscape regeneration device, in which water and humidity are the main protagonists in an Agro-Fluvial Park where orchards coexist with boosted riparian and Mediterranean ecosystems. A landscape operation to widen the space of the ravine is proposed so that the new heart of Chiva becomes a floodable ecotone which weaves together the hydraulic heritage, the existing paths and continuities and the ecosystems; an elongated centrality that enhances flows and activities with three main nodes distributed along its course. Chiva goes from turning its back to breathing through it.

Jury Point of View

This proposal shows a proper holistic, balanced, detailed and integral approach. Very accurate and extensive cartography of the urban and agricultural landscape is found in the project, establishing a connecting network between hydraulic heritage valuable pieces, identifying small spaces of opportunity, both for improving water dynamics and for the construction of public space. The design proposes very important and accurate connections between both sides of the ravine and three main nodes to incorporate new constructions/ programs that consolidate the productive and cultural values of this landscape.