Public Space in Madrid

The accessibility of public space in Madrid continues to amaze me. Paisaje Transversal’s projects reveal the importance of communal space as does a walk down just about any street in the city. People seem to truly value time spent socializing outside of their homes, whether it is in a sprawling park, an intimate plaza, or along the sidewalk. Madrileño culture is evident is in much of the city’s planning, and in the informal ways people make use of public spaces. Plaza 2 de mayo is one of my favorite examples—any summer night, this square in Malasaña is social hub. Babies in strollers, young people seated on the ground, elderly neighbors, and spontaneous salsa classes can all be seen here at midnight on a Tuesday. Enjoying a night out in Madrid does not require money. In Lavapiés and La Latina, mixed-income neighborhoods also known for their active nightlife, people gather on the sidewalks, sit along steps with store-bought beers, or order affordable tapas at any street-side cerveceria. There is minimal regulation as to how people use space, and a level of social freedom that is limited by law and subsequently learned behaviors in the US. In Madrid, individual ownership, wealth, and privacy appear to be less important, or at least secondary priorities to simply enjoying the moment. Also, there seems to be an optimism about human nature that is reflected in person to person interaction, and in law enforcement.

There are several publicly designated community centers in Madrid. The Tabacalera, just a few blocks from my apartment, is tobacco factory turned indoor-outdoor arts space, funded by the City Council. To me, it looks like a giant Brooklyn DIY concert venue, with art covering the walls, a garden, and constant flow of alternative young people drinking and playing music. These type of youth havens in New York are shut down instead of supported for the important sense of community they can provide.

Located in La Latina, Plaza de la Cebada is an expansive public space in front of one of Madrid’s largest markets. It is surrounding by fencing however has multiple entrances, and is open to everyone. The plaza hosts events and recreation, and many people enjoy their meals at picnic tables. While there are plans to renovate the space and add a pool, its present informal design evokes the character of public life in Madrid. I am curious to see how its next transformation with unfold.

Parks are also serve as sites for socializing and recreation across the city. Madrid Río is one of Madrid’s largest parks, and in my opinion, a truly innovative green space. It extends along the Manzanares River, which is almost waterless at the moment, and connects Carabanchel in the south of Madrid to Arganzuela through several pathways and bridges. One of the bridges, Puente Monumental de Arganzuela provides an architectural walkway between the two districts. It is handicap accessible, with seating throughout. I can imagine that on a cooler day, people would use the bridge as a social space just as they do the green spaces in Madrid Río.

The park has ample shade and bathing fountains that mimic the nearby waterway. In the summer, this is a particularly important public asset. Families that may otherwise be confined to their apartments in the extreme heat, can access this space and its amenities. Madrid Río is also a good example of sustainable urban development as it is built atop a freeway. It provides air filtration, covers the eyesore of cars and concrete, and encourages walking in an area that is surrounded by densely populated apartment buildings.