Green Infrastructure 2014 Group J - Case Study 4

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The Ensanche Neighborhood Green Infrastructure Plan

Name	The Ensanche
Country	Spain
City	Valencia
Authors	Rafael Narbona

Rationale: Why is this case interesting?

The Ensanche neighborhood (L'Eixample) was the first urban enlargement after the Valencian city wall demolition. As most mediterranean cities in the early XIX Century, Valencia also followed the Plan designed by Ing. Mr. Cerdá for the urban enlargement of Barcelona. Unfortunately, the most important ideas of the original Plan were forgotten. The open blocks were built completely closed, preventing people to walk through the green areas that Mr. Cerdá designed for the interior area of the blocks. Even more, these green areas were finally occupied by stores, ware houses and car parks. Furthermore, the original storey number was also increased. The final result is a neighborhood without green spaces or public squares and absolutely waterproof. We must take in account that we are speaking about a big and dry mediterranean city with more than 3.000 sun hours per year but with storm rain episodes that collapses immediately the runoff water management system. All rain water is lost in a place were every drop is needed for life. Why this case is interesting? Because we have a dry, hot, waterproof, polluted and inefficient neighborhood that is asking a better functionality; in other words, new green infrastructures.

Author's perspective

Landscape architect with the classic horticultural engineering background due to the absence of an official degree in this matter in my country. Although nowadays it is possible to study this degree, the profession is still not recognized. In spite of that, I have tried to work as L.A. for more than twenty years, and I'm very proud to be still alive. I brought up in this beautiful neighborhood and now I live and work in it. So, I see everyday the lack of a better environment and the great chance to change it from grey to green with the multifunctionality of green infrastructures.

Landscape and/or urban context of your case

• Biogeography, cultural features, overall character, history and dynamics
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Analytical drawings

• Please use analytical drawing for visualising the conflicts/potentials of your site

• Analytical Drawings
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Green Infrastructure benefits for this site

Look again at the multiple benefits of green infrastructure - what could be achieved in your site and which are most relevant?

Potential for multifunctionality

Green infrastructure has typically multiple functions. What could be achieved for your site in this respect?

Projective drawings

• How would you like this case to change in the near future? (in 1-2 years)
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• And how could it look like in 10-15 years?
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Summary and conclusion

• 100 words approx.

Image Gallery

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References

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