The Impluvium of Esplugues de Llobregat emerges with the aim of establishing a model for responsible water management and acting as a catalyst for biodiversity in a strategically located area, at a major road junction providing access to the city.
The chronic traffic congestion at Rotonda Elisabeth Eidenbenz, compounded by the development of the Finestrelles sector, has spurred a rethinking of the road layout at this crucial juncture. At Batlleiroig, we’ve focused on optimizing traffic flows to alleviate the daily burden on the roundabout. This initiative not only eases congestion but also streamlines traffic during peak hours. Furthermore, we’ve introduced new pedestrian and cyclist routes, fostering connectivity between Barcelona and the municipalities of Baix Llobregat, thus establishing a new axis for metropolitan sustainable mobility.
This endeavor celebrates the historical legacy of the area by commemorating the ancient route of Via Augusta as it traversed Esplugues de Llobregat, fostering a sense of identity among the municipality’s inhabitants. Sculptures by Xavier Corberó, a local artist, are strategically placed along Via Augusta, enriching the historical narrative of the municipality.
Rotonda Elisabeth Eidenbenz is situated within the context of a new social and ecological corridor linking Barcelona with Baix Llobregat via a metropolitan cycling route, which also provides access to the Collserola Natural Park. This locale serves as a pivotal point where nature seamlessly integrates into urban spaces, even within elements like a roundabout, thereby acting as a biodiversity hotspot.
The Impluvium sits at the heart of the city’s access road network, facilitating the restoration of terrain permeability to enhance rainwater accumulation, retention, and infiltration. A specialized curb at the roundabout’s perimeter enables water passage, while a surrounding trench mitigates erosion and aids in rainwater infiltration. This biodiverse enclave adopts a sustainable water management approach through Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), fostering biodiversity and providing habitats for pollinating insects crucial for local flora and fauna. By fostering mycorrhizal formation, it bolsters plant resilience against soil-borne diseases and facilitates land recolonization. Pollinating insects also contribute to vegetation maintenance through pollination and pest control.
The Impluvium of Esplugues de Llobregat is complemented by the revitalization of Avenida Països Catalans, aiming to implement responsible water management and integrate nature into the urban landscape to mitigate the urban heat island effect, establishing itself as a metropolitan benchmark for climate resilience.
Other landscape architecture offices involved in the design of landscape: Batlleiroig
Architecture offices involved in the design: Batlleiroig
Location: Pl. d’Elisabeth Eidenbenz, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona
Design year: 2021
Year Completed: 2023
