Restored hydraulic structure with a shallow pond and central walkway, surrounded by trees and buildings.

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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