The first prizes were awarded to the architecture firm “gmp - von Gerkan Marg & Partner” and Jean Nouvel. Both of these projects, according to the jury, are not so different from each other as to exclude the possibility of their joint implementation. This is exactly what the city authorities are going to undertake.
The aim of the competition was the modernization of the harbor area of the third largest city in Spain, which is now dominated by oil storage facilities, dilapidated industrial buildings, as well as a large area occupied by old railways. In the future, instead of this zone, it is planned to create attractive residential quarters, office buildings and infrastructure institutions open to the sea, as well as new parks and squares.
The first step in this direction was the reconstruction of the old port of Marina Real Juan Carlos I in connection with the America's Cup regatta in Valencia. The main pavilion of the competition designed by David Chipperfield and the pavilions of the national teams participating in the championship appeared there.
And now, according to the Valencia del Mar plan, all other urban areas adjacent to the sea will take on a new look.
gmp suggest gradually transforming existing territories in their project. Their main idea will be the continuation of the urban development axis of the street Avenida di Francia to the embankment. At its end, it is planned to build a double tower in the shape of a Latin V - which should mean "Valencia" and symbolize the city's openness to the sea. The dried-up bed of the Turia River should again become navigable; a park will be laid out on its banks. Several channels will also be dug. Historic port buildings will be converted into cultural institutions.
Jean Nouvel also proposes in his project to turn the inner water area of the port into a recreational area open to all, and connect it with the riverbed of the Turia. A special feature of his project is the green delta at the old estuary of this river, as well as the creation of a line of high-rise buildings from the embankment to the new urban district of Grao.
