Page 206 - 360.revista de Alta Velocidad - Nº 6

Fernández-Ges, Andrés.

Nevertheless, strategic urban projects have changed cities in many cases, in a way broader
than the areas of action. Several public spaces have been created in many cities through
strategic urban projects, as in Barcelona, Lisbon, Bilbao, Zaragoza, Hamburg or Zurich,
and the relationship between the city and its natural environment has improved. Most
successful have been those where public space had a major role in the design and definition
of the project. So, the challenge is to obtain enough flexibility of adaptation and resilience
to adapt to new urban paradigms.

These projects need realistic objectives, solving existing needs in the city, usually identified
in the general or strategic planning of the city. The project will be successful if contribute
with public spaces and facilities demanded by citizens, instead of those that try to create
the needs. A correct and fluid relationship and communications between the different parts
is needed in the management.

Projects that show certain flexibility in the design are more resilient than the rigid ones.
The more adaptable is, the more successful over the implementation period. Projects that
stresses in the conception and design of public space, understanding the city as a space for
social relationship achieve a greater identity with the citizens than those considering the
city as a space for business.

Fig 34. Expo riverfronts before and after the International Exhibition. Source: Pablo de la Cal

23. References

• Instituto Nacional de Estadística (Spanish Statistics Office): http://www.ine.es/jaxiT3/Datos.
htm?t=2917
• Ferropedia. es: http://www.ferropedia.es/wiki/LAV_Madrid_-_Zaragoza_-_Barcelona
• Guggenheim Museum webpage: http://www.guggenheim-bilbao-corp.eus/guggenheim-bilbao/historia/

204 360.revista de alta velocidad