Explanada de España Alicante, Spain
22
Even though this waterfront promenade is not a square in the classic sense, it has to be counted among the most attractive open public spaces. In contrast to a square, its shape is not created by a more or less closed outline formed by facades or other framing elements marking the contour. Here, the square’s surface is crucial. This square demonstrates how much space-creating power a square’s surface may have. Somebody who steps on this carpet and walks along gets the impression of being inside a particular space. Walking up and down between the large fountain in the east and the monument in the west, the pedestrian is swept into a happy frame of mind thanks to the wave pattern of the colourful tessellated tiles. The palm trees, of course, are the element that rounds off this space in the third dimension. Their treetops create the sense of a roof, and at the same time filter the light; and combined with the immediate vicinity of the sea, the trees add to the specific atmosphere of this promenade. Most of the building fronts, on the other hand, merely form the backdrop, whereas the splendour of some facades and the tall hotel tower contribute to the magnificence of the scenery. Location Alicante, centre Time 1867 / 1959 tessellated paving Architect 1867 José Guardiola Picó Dimensions 22,000 m² Length approx. 530 m × width approx. 40 m, building heights 16–45 m
Important structures Casa Carbonell, 1925, Juan Vidal Ramos / Hotel Tryp Gran Sol, 1971 Miguel López Gonzáles Surface and furnishings Tessellated tiles (6.5 million, 4 × 4 cm), four rows of palm trees, plant beds, movable folding chairs, street lamps, bandshell, stalls / Monument to José Canalejas Méndez, 1914 Vicente Bañuls Fountain, 1960 Carlos Buigas
1 : 5000