The Lookout Path at the Old Gypsum Mines, designed by Batlleiroig, is an integral component of the Igualada Green Ring initiative, aimed at establishing pedestrian and bicycle routes encircling the city’s perimeter, fostering sustainable mobility and recreational activities in eco-friendly surroundings. This project endeavors to repurpose neglected or underutilized spaces, contributing to the revitalization of the urban fabric. Specifically, the Camí de les Guixeres, leading to the mines, has been revitalized, with the completion of the initial 800 meters of a 1.65-kilometer stretch.

Objectives and Design Approach

The project is guided by two primary objectives: enhancing connectivity to ensure seamless integration with the broader Green Ring initiative and reclaiming the landscape and biodiversity of the area. By adopting a multi-faceted approach, the design addresses site-specific challenges while unlocking its inherent potential. A key feature is the creation of a three-part section, tailored to the site’s diverse conditions, thereby fostering environmental sustainability and promoting leisure activities.

Promoting Connectivity and Environmental Stewardship

The central strip comprises a main granitic-sand track, spanning approximately three meters in width, serving as the backbone of the Green Ring. This track, aligning with the original path, ensures continuity within the network. Adjacent to this track is a linear lookout, offering panoramic vistas of Igualada. Constructed as a 1.2-meter-wide paved strip along the track’s perimeter, this lookout enhances accessibility and visibility. Notably, the use of luminescent aggregate in the concrete enhances visibility during evening hours, harnessing solar energy absorbed during the day.

Enhancing the Visitor Experience

The layout of the linear scenic viewpoint is meticulously planned to accentuate existing landmarks and vegetation, incorporating resting areas and linear benches for visitors’ comfort. Furthermore, the design capitalizes on the breathtaking views of Montserrat from Les Guixeres Hill, culminating in a cantilevered structure projecting over the mountainside, offering an unparalleled vantage point.

In essence, the Lookout Path at the Old Gypsum Mines exemplifies a harmonious blend of ecological stewardship and urban renewal, underscoring the transformative potential of landscape architecture in reimagining public spaces for the benefit of communities and the environment alike.