Design and conceptualization of a transversal urban intervention in public space under Soria’s integrated Sustainable Urban Development Strategy (EDUSI)

The Integrated Sustainable Urban Development Strategy (EDUSI) Soria Intramuros, selected in the second call of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2014-2020, was designed to revitalize the historic centre and its adjacent areas with the objective of recovering the city’s cultural and social heritage while simultaneously promoting sustainable and integrated development.

THE CHALLENGE

Soria is a city of high landscape value; however, many of the public spaces that make up the city were found to be underutilized and, in some cases, environmentally and aesthetically degraded. The challenge of combining various actions from the EDUSI was assigned to Khora, to promote the regeneration of spaces that would connect and integrate urban voids and green areas into the daily lives of Soria’s residents.

THE SOLUTION

The connection and consolidation of the municipality’s green infrastructure were achieved through the creation of green corridors and pathways that were linked to the surrounding high-value landscape and environmental areas. Access improvements and connections with the city’s entrances were combined with the promotion of sustainable urban mobility, improved accessibility, prioritization of pedestrian use and the rehabilitation of degraded spaces. Biodiversity was promoted, ecosystem services were enhanced and healthy habits were encouraged while urban resilience against climate change was improved and the citizens’ quality of life was strengthened.

This work was materialized through a conceptualization process that included mapping and relevant studies to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the intervention. A high standard in the drafting of the execution project was enabled by this process and was carried out by the selected contractor.