The document summarizes the proposed redesign of Plaza Pumarejo in Spain. It describes the existing plaza as being in a state of disrepair and lacking a cohesive design. The proposed redesign establishes Plaza Pumarejo as an "urban stage" through the use of permanent seating, shade structures, landscaping, and designated spaces for events, markets and performances. The redesign aims to revitalize the plaza and establish it as a gathering space through its design which celebrates the plaza's history as a site for social and political expression. Diagrams and renderings depict how the redesign divides the space into zones while allowing for different community uses and activities.

1. Douglas Mclouth | ARCH 4601 Summer, 2015
The Urban Stage
Plaza Pumarejo y
La Etapa Urbano
Plaza Pumarejo and

2. Existing Conditions
Civil unrest No cohesive design Disrepair and poor maintenance Lack of defined focal element
N
Plaza Pumarejo has been the site of numerous
social activities. Beyond the typical plaza, this site
has been the location of civil unrest. Originally the
entrance to a palace, it now serves as the
entrance to a community center. However, the
plaza itself has degraded over time and is now
populated by homeless, vandals, and drug users.
The community has responded by using the site as
a location of social demonstrations and civil pro-
test. Plaza Pumarejo’s fall from its royal origin to its
current state of disrepair is an unfortunate reflec-
tion of the state of many urban spaces in Spain.
Therefore it is essential that Plaza Pumarejo be revi-
talized.

3. Design Development
Sketch of the existing tree location
and area usage by existing restaurants
Sketch of pedestrian pathway
Sketch of permanent seating that
enhances the narrative of an amphi-
theater
Sketch of potential shading structure
Design Narrative
The revitalization of Plaza Pumarejo began with a study of the
existing conditions of the site. The formation of the existing trees
were used to generate form. The schematic profile they form is
that of an amphitheater that faces west towards the community
center. Looking at the contextual history of the site, as a location
of civil and social movements, a design narrative of an urban
stage was developed.
This idea of Plaza Pumarejo being a stage for social unrest is the
driving force behind its revitalization. The new image of Plaza
Pumarejo will celebrate this history of demonstration. Plaza
Pumarejo has become a metaphor of a stage. It is treated as an
amphitheater for the community center. The plaza is a stage for
activity, expression, intrigue, a link between the public and the
city.

4. Site Plan
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Outdoor Event Space
Fixed Seating
Shade Structure / Lighting
Leasable Permanent Kiosk
Advertisment / Community Information
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
5m
N
10 20 30
1
4
3
2
5
2
2
67
Calle San Luis
CalleFrayDiegodeCadiz
CalleAnicetoSaenz
Calle Torreblanca

5. Floor Plan
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Outdoor Event Space
Fixed Seating
Shade Structure / Lighting
Leasable Permanent Kiosk
Advertisment / Community Information
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
5m
N
10 20 30
1
4
3
2
5
2
2
67
Calle San Luis
CalleFrayDiegodeCadiz
CalleAnicetoSaenz
Calle Torreblanca

6. 5m 10 20
East Section

7. West Section
5m 10 20

8. South Cross Section
5m 10 20

9. North Cross Section
5m 10 20

10. Design Rendering
View of the kiosk open and in use. This is a 20 sq. meter leasable
kiosk with included counter top.

11. Design Rendering
Permanent seating and shade structure. The canvas shade unit
can be removed during the winter with the structural elements
serving as lamp posts.

12. Diagrammatic Study
Traffic Flow
Movement through the plaza is
divided into two parts: pedestrian
and vehicular. The vehicular
traffic form the perimeter of the
plaza space. A promenade like
path is placed on the east end at
the entrance of the community
center.
Space Division
The plaza is divided into three key
zones: promenade, seating, and
event. These zones are deto-
nated with the use of surface
materials.
Event
Seating
Promenade
Conflict Zones
As the plaza serves a number of
uses, there rises the issue of a con-
flict of space. This is addressed by
distributing the various accom-
modations of the plaza into
groupings that do not interfere
with their neighbors.
Restaurant Seating
Community Space
Services

13. Surface Materials
Granite Tile
The existing site material for both
the street and sidewalks.
White Marble
Used as a transitional material,
the marble separates the plaza
from the existing context as well
as denote space within the plaza
itself.
Slate
This is the primary material used
within the plaza. The dark tone
and color reflect that of the site
material but clearly defines it as
separate.
Brick Tile
The event space posses a com-
pletely different material from
that of the plaza or site, the red
bricks stimulate intrigue and
encourages activity.

14. Sun and Shade Study
11 am 2 pm 6 pm
11 am
Winter
December, 21st
Summer
June, 21st
2 pm 6 pm

15. In addition to the community center, Plaza Pumarejo is the location of two popular
restaurants in the north east and south west corners. Starting in the late afternoon,
temporary tables and chairs are erected in the plaza in two distinct areas of the
plaza. These restaurants are so popular that visitors often exceed capacity of the
seats and will sit on permanent benches or remain standing to eat.
The revitalization of Plaza Pumarejo accounts for this by allowing for generous space
between the restaurant entrances and the permanent fixtures to place seating. Visi-
tors can sit at both the temporary and permanent seats and enjoy dinning, conversa-
tion, and night time events.
Adaptive Use: Restaurant Seating

16. The plazas of Spain are often host to seasonal markets and street vendors. On special
occasions, merchants will arrive at a plaza early in the morning, unload their trucks,
and erect temporary shop tents. During the day, these plazas become highly active
with pedestrians shopping for various wares.
The main space of the revitalized Plaza Pumarejo can serve as jut such a location. The
shade structure provides an enclosed space for the placement of a market. The
spacing between each lamp post can easily fit an average size tent. A seasonal
market in Plaza Pumarejo will not only allow for day time use of the plaza, but provide
an economic bust to the area from shopping locals and tourist.
Adaptive Use: Seasonal Market

17. Within Spanish plazas, events of all kinds can take place. Rather on a formal stage or
spontaneously, these events draw the attention of the public. These stage events
often place themselves in a location that is framed by their surroundings. The east end
of Plaza Pumarejo is just such a location. Two trees form the outline of a stage with an
unobstructed view from the whole plaza. Here stage events, rather planed or impro-
vised, can find an audience.
Adaptive Use: Stage Events

18. Design Elements

19. Design Rendering
View of the kiosk from the back. This side features television
screens that can display advertisements and community infor-
mation.

20. Design Rendering
A view of the promenade space in front of the community
center.

21. Douglas Mclouth | ARCH 4601 Summer, 2015