Here stands the first shopping center in Madrid. I’m talking about La Vaguada. Let’s uncover its story.
La Vaguada opened its doors on October 24 1983. The mayor of Madrid Enrique Tierno Galván was present. It was designed by César Manrique. He integrated natural elements into the structure. There are rest areas with waterfalls and fountains. Natural light floods in from the roof.
Before La Vaguada was built there was opposition. Locals formed the association La Vaguada es Nuestra. Small businesses supported the protests. They opposed the construction of the shopping center.
The offer of jobs resolved much of the conflict. Fifty six jobs were offered to unemployed people. Part of the space was dedicated to public amenities. These included a cultural center a library a swimming pool and a health center. The Parque de la Vaguada was also constructed.
La Vaguada has five floors. Two are below ground. They serve as parking for 3600 vehicles. The other three are for commercial areas. Hanging vegetation is a prominent feature.
Originally La Vaguada included a Plaza de los Artesanos. For 22 years artisans offered their goods. They worked in front of passersby. Due to a decline in artisans the area was repurposed in 2005.
In 2008 La Vaguada underwent a renovation. The logo was updated and the name shortened. A canopy was added to the main entrance. The César Manrique Foundation criticized the renovation. They felt it betrayed the building’s spirit. The building was meant to integrate with nature. It was intended as a human friendly space.
The Foundation stated Manrique wanted to balance property rights with social needs. He conceived a unique construction. It was different from typical commercial centers. The renovation was driven by functional criteria. It betrayed the spirit of La Vaguada. The renovation eliminated the human touch. It consolidated the commercial area under a modernizing slogan.
The Madrid City Council has not protected the building. Yet it is the only work by César Manrique in the city.
La Vaguada offers various services. It includes a traditional market. There are also anchor stores. You can find large department stores and a hypermarket. There is a pharmacy a tobacconist and a post office. At one time there was a radio station. The cinemas and restaurants are on the terrace level.
La Vaguada is easily accessible. You can reach it by car via Avenida de la Ilustración. You can also use Calle Ginzo de Limia or Avenida Monforte de Lemos. The M 607 highway is another option. The Barrio del Pilar metro station is nearby. It is on line 9. You can transfer from Plaza de Castilla and Avenida de América. Line 7 is also accessible from Peñagrande station. Several bus lines stop in front of the shopping center.
La Vaguada appears in Fernando San Basilio’s literary works. These include his novels and short stories. It shows up in Mi gran novela sobre La Vaguada. It also features in El joven vendedor y el estilo de vida fluido. You can even find it in the short story Al principio Dios creó La Vaguada.
La Vaguada stands as a testament to Madrid’s commercial evolution. It reflects both architectural innovation and community engagement. It offers a unique shopping experience. It blends nature with urban life.