Jaén Regional Park

Jaen, 2016

From olive field to Mediterranean meadow.

The future Regional Park is located on a site is characterized by a landscape typical of the outskirts bordering Andalusian cities, in this case mostly dedicated to the monoculture of olive trees. A series of heritage assets can also be found in the area, speaking of its condition as the historical periphery towards which the city has gradually grown, a process accompanied by its transformation from irrigated to dry farmland until its consolidation as an olive grove. The current situation, a combination of formal and informal developments that brings into direct contact such manmade phenomena as the city and agriculture, will drastically change with the future development of Jaen, when this space will acquire urban centrality.

The landscape intervention is based on the transformation of the field of olive trees into a meadow of olive, oak and other native species to create a “naturalized” Mediterranean park. In this way, the area will go from being an agricultural space mixed with industrial and commercial activities, to become a recreational space with a powerful landscape identity and important forestry values.   

The generic plantation rule that enables this transformation from an olive grove to a meadow, is adjusted to adapt to the preexistences and the border condition. All together, the proposal comprises following landscape units: the Mediterranean meadow, the gallery forest, the Mediterranean garrigue and the pine grove. To these we add the walk of the drove way, the garden of the San Eufrasio cemetery, the look out of the Calvario hill, an allotment garden area, the management offices and parking spaces. 

In this way, this proposal, informed by an in-depth analysis, fosters the integration of the park with its surroundings, both spatially and functionally, while also revitalizing the entire area. The citizenry, with their use, respect, appreciation and involvement will give meaning to this park.