THE HEART OF EACH VILLAGE AND OF THE TOWN IS ITS CENTRAL PLAZA

The Alfresco Plazas

The heart of each village and of the town is its central plaza. In 1996, the renown designer, Victor Papanek wrote: “We all sense that something has gone terribly wrong with our communities. Hamlets and cities, slums and suburbs all lack a sense of cohesion. Not only is there no centre there – there is no there there.” The need for a public center is primal and ancient. In nomadic times, it was the campfire in the middle. In the kainga it was the marae. In villages and towns it was the plaza or the market square, and in the colder climate of England, it was the village green. The public plaza is central to community life; it is where people meet without an appointment. It is where they go for a drink or meal.

Each village will be built around a public plaza. On the ground level, the perimeter will have cafes, pubs, shops, services, offices, and other commercial activity. The upper floors will be a mix of offices, lesser-shops, clubs, and apartments for people who enjoy proximity to plaza activity. Each plaza will also have an artist guild hall, a church, school classrooms and other similar facilities.

The plaza in the photo is notable. In the Mallorcan town of Soller, an elevated flat area was constructed specifically for children. They ride skateboards, play ball, and parents sit on the sides to watch. The walls are just high enough that it provides adequate separation from the adults having food and drink in the cafes adjacent to the play area. The stone appears to be marble, smooth enough to not scrape knees, and quieter when skateboarding.

Let's build this!  Contact me if you are ready.