La Sagrera Linear Park / Aldayjover, RCR and West 8

A new green diagonal axis is projected into the core of Barcelona due to the burial of the existing railways with the arrival of the new high-speed train. This new public space is a means to connect the sequence of the sea, the city, and its natural surroundings. The new La Sagrera linear park or Parc del Camí Comtal represents a new ‘Slow’ Barcelona that gives relief to the urban rush of the city of Cerdá. It greatly increases the diversity of the area by introducing a new slow and verdant cross, facing the famous Diagonal avenue, and establishing a new paradigm of urban life.

La Sagrera Lineal Park technical information

  • Principle Designers: Aldayjover, RCR and West 8
  • Typology : Landscape Architecture / Urban Park
  • Location: Barcelona, Spain
  • Design & Realization: 2011–ongoing
  • Client: BSAV, Barcelona Sagrera Alta Velocitat s.a. (National ministry of infrastructures, Adif, Renfe,
    Government of Catalunya and city council of Barcelona)
  • Area: 40 ha.
  • Collaborators: Sener (Engineering consultancy), Materia Verda (Botany consultancy), Artec (Lighting
    consultancy), BR&A (Traffic consultancy), SBDA (Infography)
  • Photographs: Courtesy of West 8 

A new green diagonal axis extends into the very heart of XXI century Barcelona. It forms a natural path for pedestrians and cyclists ­‐ the protagonists of a new greener era. Catalysing the development of a more habitable metropolis, which is in direct contact with its natural surroundings. The initiative is the key to improving the biodiversity and a strengthening the city’s urban ecological network.

– West 8 Architects

La Sagrera Lineal Park Photographs

La Sagrera Linear Park / Aldayjover, RCR and West 8 La Sagrera Linear Park / Aldayjover, RCR and West 8 La Sagrera Linear Park / Aldayjover, RCR and West 8 La Sagrera Linear Park / Aldayjover, RCR and West 8

La Sagrera Lineal Park description by West 8 Architects

A new green diagonal axis extends into the very heart of XXI century Barcelona. It forms a natural path for pedestrians and cyclists ­‐ the protagonists of a new greener era. Catalysing the development of a more habitable metropolis, which is in direct contact with its natural surroundings. The initiative is the key to improving the biodiversity and a strengthening the city’s urban ecological network.

El Camí Comtal will finally connect the Sea and the Mountains, Nature and City in Barcelona. It will reinforce the landscape experience for people approaching Barcelona from the sea from or the coastal ranges. El Camí Comtal offers a unique opportunity for uninterrupted journey along a green corridor from the wildest Catalan Pyrenees to the heart of its capital city. This green track enters the city through the natural valley of Besós finding continuity in the new Cami Comtal park or La Sagrera linear park. Complete with a generous shaded way for pedestrians, it allows bicycles and skaters to discover the different environments through the neighbourhoods of Sant Andreu and Sant Marti, El Clot park, the historical gardens of Ciutadella before finally arriving at the seashore.

El Parc del Camí Comtal offers a breath of fresh air to the bustling city of Cerdá. The introduction of a new SLOW green cross acts as a counterpoint to the urban frenzy and current commotion found in the other Diagonal. Furthermore the route will also become a landmark where landscape, architecture, history and newly installed water fountains enrich its course and form a tribute to the historic infrastructure of the Rec Comtal, which was the city’s historic aqueduct.

The visitor who arrives to the new Parc del Cami Comtal either by train from elsewhere in Europe, by bike from the mountains, or on foot or by public transport from the city, will experience the benefits of a green welcome carpet to the city. This the new La Sagrera linear park replaces the old iron scar, reflects the identity of its historic neighbourhoods, whilst simultaneously providing the optimum green connections between landscape
and city.

La Sagrera Lineal Park Plans

La Sagrera Linear Park / Aldayjover, RCR and West 8 La Sagrera Linear Park / Aldayjover, RCR and West 8  La Sagrera Linear Park / Aldayjover, RCR and West 8

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