CONCEPT
How can we create an exhibition garden in an urban context dedicated to industrial innovation?
This question guided our approach to designing a learning landscape centered on products developed through innovation processes at AIMPLAS, the Technological Institute of Plastics. Promoted by AIMPLAS Living Lab, the project is located within the Paterna Technology Park, where the buildings of the institute are interconnected by elevated walkways. We envisioned linking a new pathway to the existing circulation flows, folding it into the space like a small labyrinth. By encouraging a momentary loss of orientation and disconnection from the urban surroundings, the path invites users to refocus their attention on a sequence of sensory and educational nodes, nestled within a Mediterranean woodland. The journey becomes a series of immersive, experiential stations.
DESIGN
The hexagonal shape reflects the molecular structure of many polymers, creating a visual connection between the exhibits and the design of the pathways. The Living Lab has provided an opportunity to create a design that contrasts the geometry of the itinerary with the organic forms of the surrounding vegetation. This intentional tension fosters a dialogue between two perspectives: Architecture and Nature—each reinforcing the presence of the other.
VISUALITY
We envisioned the AIMPLAS Living Lab · Technological Institute of Plastics as an experiential journey, where visitors encounter a series of interpretive nodes designed as capsules of information. The folded walkway of 130 meters floats above the forest, fully immersed in greenery—just like those who walk through it. The intervention maintains visual continuity with the terrain: through its structure, the ground and vegetation remain visible. At night, a continuous line of light integrated into the architecture subtly defines the path.
MEDITERRANEAN ENVIRONMENT
1,051 plants from 26 different species make up the botanical ensemble of AIMPLAS’ corporate garden. Over the course of a year, the garden of 1,230 square meters has been monitored to ensure the successful establishment of the vegetation. Pre-existing species have been integrated, and non-invasive wild plants have been preserved to avoid competition with the newly introduced species. The challenge is to allow the ecosystem to reach its own natural balance.
ACCESIBILITY
The Living Lab AIMPLAS ensures full universal accessibility by integrating all circulation paths in accordance with the regional regulations. The design features continuous, barrier-free walkways with gentle ramps, accessible surfaces, and seamless connections that allow users of all abilities to navigate the space independently and safely. Accessibility is not treated as a technical add-on, but as a guiding principle that shapes the spatial experience, fostering inclusive interaction with the Mediterranean landscape and reinforcing the project’s commitment to social equity in public space.
• All landscape architecture offices involved in the design of landscape: CERCLE Territorio Paisaje Arquitectura SLP
• All architecture offices involved in the design: 10t Project Management (Project Management) and BLAUVERD (Execution)
• Other credits you need or wish to write: Graphic Design AIMPLAS Marketing Team, Bruno Almela Photography
