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October 18, 2007
A new island: Hadid unveils radical plan for Bilbao
How do you say Develop Don't Destroy Bilbao en Español? Zaha Hadid's masterplan for the city's Zorrozaurre peninsula is making waves by doing exactly what Frank Gehry's Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn doesn't.
WORK WITH THE COMMUNITY
Hadid, who was awarded the project in 2003, initially met with resistance from residents when she suggested converting the peninsula into an island. "They feared they would be isolated from the rest of the city," said Ms Madrazo.
ADDRESS FUTURE ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
Over the next two years, as Hadid and her team worked with residents, local businesses and the regional government, the island's potential became clear. Added to locals' concerns were those of the Basque environment ministry that, if the peninsula was built on, it could easily be flooded, making the idea of a carefully designed island, with flood protection, even more attractive. As a result, the houses will be 4.7 metres above sea level and a canal will be joined on to the river Nervión, widening the riverbed to 75 metres, rather than the 50 metres originally planned.
ADAPTIVELY REUSE OLD BUILDINGS
But it was not just environmental concerns that dictated Zorrozaurre's redesign. The city was concerned not to destroy all of the old housing and businesses, many of which are being retained.
CREATE REAL PARKS AND DESIGN DIVERSITY
A quarter of the land has been given over to parks and recreation, and - crucial to the success of the project in the eyes of residents and the council - much of the housing will be low-cost. "This will not be an exclusive neighbourhood," said Ms Madrazo. There will be no uniformity in design, with buildings of various heights across the island.
NoLandGrab: Go figure... you would think that the prospect that Atlantic Yards might actually be built keeps starchitect Frank Gehry up at night.
Posted by lumi at October 18, 2007 7:54 AM