bilbao-based architecture firm AZAB has brought new life to the center of a town in the basque country of northern spain. the intervention ? which serves as a versatile setting for the small town of mallabia ? was designed as an update of herriko plaza, the community?s central public space, which also includes the church and the town hall. ?understanding this particular physiognomy of the municipality, the project does not seek the creation of a new space, but to recover the special significance of its emblematic space,? explain the architects.

image by luis díaz díaz (also main image)
 
 
as the brief called for a design that would update and expand the square to make it more usable for more people, AZAB drew up plans to cover the existing auditorium ? transforming it into a flexible leisure area for users of different ages. the sheltered space comprises a variety of connected areas, which can be used for a range of different programs. the upper level is intended for health and sports, while the area below includes seating for shows and recreational facilities for children.
image by luis díaz díaz
 
 
?globalization also imposes on urbanism a loss of contextual and social values ??that are transferred to its plans and buildings,? AZAB says. ?in this way, spaces emerge from their referential qualities, traditions, landscapes or memory to adopt a global aesthetic dominated by technology and image. given this situation, it turns out that architecture recovers tradi...