
A restored hydraulic structure featuring a shallow pond with a central walkway. The pond is surrounded by a stone and brick edge, and there are trees and buildings in the background.
Story
A thoughtful intervention revives the Bassa Nova pond in Reus Gallego Arquitectura's project in Reus, Tarragona, reimagines the Bassa Nova pond, a 19th-century hydraulic structure, as a modern urban space for recreation and leisure. Originally designed for water storage and distribution, the pond's social utility waned mid-20th century. This intervention reclaims its heritage value and urban function. The design raises the pond's base, creating a 15-cm deep water stretch, ensuring safety while preserving the pond's historical appearance. A new walkway, constructed from corrugated rod irons, offers visitors a novel perspective, maintaining the original depth in parts to illustrate the site's hydraulic history. Surrounding landscaped terraces with Mediterranean flora and century-old plane trees enhance the site's natural beauty. The use of vertical rod irons for fencing and railings ensures material continuity, while brickwork and coarse sand define the pavement. A pergola at the entrance, adorned with evergreen vines, provides shade and complements the site's historical ambiance. This intervention enriches the community's interaction with its historical landscape.
## Design Highlights
Raised pond base with a 15-cm water stretch for safety Corrugated rod iron walkway offering new site perspectives Restored ceramic tiles create surrounding paving Landscaped terraces with Mediterranean shrubs and century-old trees Pergola with evergreen vines for natural shade
## Key Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Reus, Tarragona, Spain |
| Surface Area | 3,907 m² |
| Water Area | 676 m² |
| Original Pond Depth | Over 2 meters |
| New Pond Depth | 15 cm |
Technical Summary
Finishes
- Paving: The paving around the pond is made from restored 23 x 23 cm ceramic tiles.
- Fence: The area is enclosed by a fence made of vertical rod irons with horizontal bars for rigidity.
Materials
- Brick — Used for benches, retaining walls, and terraces.
- Metal — Used for the walkway, pergola, and fencing.
- Stone — Used for walls and edging around the pond.
Construction / Systems
- Lost formwork: Used on small pillars to fill in the deposit and save on the use of reinforced concrete.
Products
- Not specified
Palette / Lighting
- Colors: natural tones, red brick, metallic
- Lighting: Natural lighting with emphasis on outdoor spaces.
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