Built between 2004 and 2007 the Eco-bulevar de Vallecas is more than just a boulevard. It’s a testament to urban ingenuity. It’s a project born from a desire to revitalize a newly built-up area in the Ensanche de Vallecas district of Madrid. This wasn’t just about adding greenery. This was about creating a community space.
The Eco-bulevar de Vallecas is a 550 by 50 meter space. It’s a remarkable example of urban recycling. The project which was co-funded by the European Union aimed to tackle two key issues. The first was the lack of social activity in this newly built-up neighborhood. The second was the harsh Madrid summers.
To address these problems the architects Belinda Tato and José Luis Vallejo of Ecosistema Urbano designed three large circular structures. They called them “air trees”. These aren’t your average trees. Each “air tree” is over twenty meters high. They are constructed from scaffolding and metal. They are designed to cool the surrounding area using a passive air conditioning system.
Imagine standing beneath one of these structures. You would feel the cool breeze. The system lowers the temperature by about 10 degrees. This innovative system uses evapotranspiration similar to how greenhouses maintain a cool environment. The “air trees” each have a specific function.
The “climatic tree” in the north provides shade. Its unique design allows more light in the north and blocks it in the south. It uses vaporizers to enhance cooling. The “leisure tree” in the center features play equipment for children. A sandpit a slide and swings hang from the structure itself. The “media tree” in the south hosts events. Three large screens allow for various projections.
The Eco-bulevar de Vallecas was initially conceived as a temporary installation. The idea was that once the social and climate problems were solved the structures would be removed. Nature would take over. The area would become a natural woodland space. However these amazing structures remain today.
The Eco-bulevar de Vallecas received the AR Award in 2007. This award acknowledged the strong environmental responsibility of the project. It stands as an example of how urban planning can improve both community life and environmental sustainability. It’s a place of community spirit. It’s a place of innovation. It’s the Eco-bulevar de Vallecas a unique space in Madrid.