Pedestrianisation of a road in Torremolinos by Urbidermis

Moon | Bench

Urbidermis

For this project, the iconic town of Torremolinos on the Andalusian coast proposed the pedestrianisation of the N-340 national road that crossed its historic centre through the Plaza de la Costa del Sol and the Avenida Palma de Mallorca.The general outline of the project proposes retaining the “informal” spirit by offering a homogenous vision of the area but, at the same time, distinguished according to the zones and uses that form the complex, whether they are a promenade, a square or an intersection.

The distinguishing feature of the project is a large modular pergola which, projecting onto a pavement comprised of linear bands of white and dark grey granite, creates an interplay of light and shadow along its entire length.

Designed by SMP Architects and developed and produced by Urbidermis, the pergola Onda exhibits a strong sculptural character. It is constructed in 6x6x6 metre modules, with a galvanised steel structure with a painted finish and a large canopy comprised of anodised aluminium crossbeams. From a distance, the concatenation of the concave and convex undulating arches that form it imbues the design with the dynamic effect of an ocean wave. Certain modules were added or removed from the sides of the pergola in a well-considered fashion in order to play with light and shadow. The presence of small features or squares with planted elements, as well as spaces of different proportions, flower beds, water features and sculptures bestow the complex with a Mediterranean feel.

The Moon bench, in its two versions with and without a backrest, is fixed on concrete blocks and arranged asymmetrically throughout the entire space, producing a pleasing sensation of shelter and a place for meeting and rest.

Subtle strips of lighting randomly built into the crossbeams of the pergola provide uniform light at night time. Illumination of the space on the sides and borders is complemented by the minimalist, linear Rama streetlamp.

The new pergola in Torremolinos is therefore incorporated into the Urbidermis catalogue under the name of Onda pergola due to its attributes as a regenerative element, with a simple, linear aesthetic which is simultaneously sculptural and decorative.