El Palomar Park
Localidad de El Palomar, Copiapó · 2017 · Public Space · Project
Comprehensive renovation of a linear park in Copiapó through a unifying central walkway, ordered landscaped edges, and programmatic areas arranged as drops of activity.
- Category
- Public Space
- Client
- Municipality of Copiapó
- Collaborators
- Joaquín García
- Location
- Localidad de El Palomar, Copiapó
- Region
- Atacama Region
- Area
- 3,2 Há
- Project year
- 2017
- Status
- Project
El Palomar Park is a linear green area and public space structure located to the west of the city of Copiapó, between the Copiapó River to the east and the foot of the hillside to the west. It has been shaped by various interventions over time that have left it with an unclear sense of the role it should play for its neighboring community: paths that fail to connect with one another, a lack of accessible pavements, disorderly equipment, and shade structures that do not fulfill their function. Its great asset is its tree species, which, though disorderly, provide natural life and shade in a largely desert territory.
Given the geographic challenges, scarce water resources, and air pollution, the proposal focuses on sustainable landscape design, with drought-adapted design strategies rooted in local conditions. From this diagnosis, three basic strategies emerge.
The Central Walkway
The proposal seeks a unified image for the park. Following the town’s urban grid, a paved route is created that connects the entire park through a hierarchical and inclusive walkway, which meets accessible route requirements and, at the same time, serves as the connector for all the park’s activities.
The Landscaped Edges
The existing tree cover becomes part of a new layout that organically arranges native species and dry gardens along the park’s edges, creating a natural view toward the surrounding housing and facilities.
The Drops of Activity
In order to activate the park along its entire length, multiple programmatic areas are proposed, distributed like drops to accommodate the diverse age groups living in the neighborhood: civic, educational, recreational, inclusive, sports, and pet training spaces, among others.
El Palomar Park requires a comprehensive renovation to become a coherent and active public space. Its potential lies in its existing tree cover and strategic location, but it currently lacks connectivity, accessibility, and functional equipment; the proposal organizes routes, enhances green areas, and diversifies activities to strengthen community life and local identity.
