Azvi’s transformation of the Puerta del Sol in Madrid involved a largescale project to refurbish, redevelop and pedestrianize the space. The final result is a new, more orderly and balanced space which prioritizes the pedestrian and enhances mobility. The major remodelling project of Madrid’s most iconic square sought to create a new central, open, obstacle-free space. To achieve this, the entirety of the Puerta del Sol and its converging streets were pedestrianized. The square was also resurfaced, and the following new elements installed: The core of the project involved the reorganization of the urban elements and the existing monuments on the square. On the north side of the square, the most significant actions included the placement of eight granite benches and the movement of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree and the La Mariblanca statues. The four kiosks, the lottery ticket booth and the tobacconist which were also on the north side were rehoused in curved glass structures and relocated. Two of the kiosks and the tobacconist were moved to the edge of the east side and the other three elements slightly more centrally on the east side. The statue of Carlos III was moved from its central position at the intersection of Carmen and Carretas streets, to the western side of the square. It was repositioned inside a newly created fountain whose foundations lie between existing underground corridors. It is important to remember that the square is located over three underground and one commuter line which meant that foundations of the different elements had to be adapted, increasing the complexity of the works. The entire square was also resurfaced, and a new design created for the km0 sign which lists all the capitals of the provinces in Spain. Other elements Some key elements of the new square were the glass kiosks designed in clusters and circular units so that they can be removed or added to depending on the licensees, and the access lift for the underground station. This is a cylindrical granite form with a stainless steel and glass enclosure. One of the most significant actions to be carried out was the relocation of the square’s most important symbols: the statue of Carlos III on Horseback to a new fountain, the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, the statue of la Mariblanca, and the Km0 plaque, which was moved opposite the Real Casa de Correos, the government offices of the Community of Madrid. The statue of Carlos III on Horseback, which was originally located at the intersection of Carmen and Carretas streets, was moved to the western side of the square and placed in a new fountain. The relocation was performed in two phases in a complex and delicate manoeuvre. The first of these was the movement and placement of the pedestal and the second was the positioning of the sculpture in the centre of what would become the square’s new fountain. Both phases were carried out in this historic setting through which thousands of people pass each day. The new fountain highlights the scale of Carlos III, without detracting from its prominence. Because of its modest height, the fountain is only apparent to the visitor on approach. The sheet of water allows us to discover additional details in the square; the slope of the square from east to west is highlighted as a result of the fountain, which is gently raised to the east and more pronouncedly to the west. New reflections of the sky, the monument to Carlos III, the Sol clock and the Tio Pepe billboard are created on the mirrored surface of the fountain’s water. Another of Madrid’s emblematic statues was also moved in a complex and delicate manoeuvre, which fully respected the monument. Diamond wire was used to separate the 16tonne sculpture from the ground. It was then relocated next to one of the entrances to the underground station. This historic sculpture was separated from its pedestal with the help of diamond wire. A prestressed timber frame and a metal cage were used to ensure the sculpture’s safety throughout the process. It was moved 18 metres from where the Puerta del Sol meets Arenal Street to its new location. Remodelling of the Puerta del Sol
Description of the works
Movement of monuments
Enrique Caruncho
Statue of Carlos III
Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree
Azvi
Statue of La Mariblanca
Related projects
12
MONTHS
€8.8
MILLION
23,438
SQUARE METRES
