Renovation of Corme’s Port by ACXT
I didn’t see the wind
I saw the clouds
moving.
I didn’t see time
I saw the leaves
falling.
chillida
Landscape architecture: ACXT
Client: XUNTA DE GALICIA
Area: 8,835 m2
Date: 2003 -
Text & Photos: ACXT
The site is characterised spatially by significant elements such as the pier, the quarry, the harbour platform and the surrounding landscape. The pier is a preponderant element formed by a stone and concrete breakwater 400 metres long, starting out from the rock itself and varying in height from one metre to five metres at its furthest end, forming the sheltering harbour wall.
The proposal resolves the transition space between the landscape, the sea and the village of Corme, with the development of a wall that replicates the pier, and is conceived as an infrastructure of the territory. This wall organises the layout, enclosing and defining the public area of the harbour, creating a plaza-cum-vantage point, a privileged spot from where to enjoy the surrounding sea, rock and trees. The sculpture, a monument to the valiant seaman, resolutely gazing out to sea with hope and yearning.
A place is formed which identifies Corme, as much for its particular location and the elements which characterise as for the uses it accommodates: the harbour activity and the town’s festival, thus creating an area for socialising and meeting. The wall links up the fishing shed with the start of the pier by means of a sloping paved area which organises the access to the previously mentioned plaza, stretching out towards the users’ sheds.
The proposal is not intended to compete with the basic elements of the port area, but rather to minimise its presence by forming a part of them. A reduced palette of materials is proposed, seeking unity both in the concept and its realisation, in response to its future intensive use. The predominant material is concrete, on the floors, walls and ceilings. Its versatility of expression is explored through the use of different kinds: in-situ, pre-cast, exposed aggregate or with different textures and surface finishes providing quality to the space. The door and window frames, incorporating elements of wood, set up a dialogue with the concrete and balance out, with their human scale and reference, the massive presence of concrete.
The use of few materials provides the flexibility and speed necessary for efficient construction. While reinforced in-situ cast concrete is used for the floors and walls, the roofs and coverings make use of pre-stressed concrete slabs. The paved areas are laid out to a regular pattern providing a norm for organising the construction.
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