The creation of an urban landmark to commemorate the centenary of the Daireaux district involves a dual commitment. Firstly, it leads us to reflect on what a contemporary landmark should be. Secondly, but of essential importance, it prompts us to delve into the people, the citizens of Daireaux, to understand their identity, culture, and desires. 

A landmark is a fixed point of civic recognition with symbolic meaning, with which people should feel identified. It should reaffirm the values shared by society. It must ensure its appropriation by offering a function beyond mere communication. 

We aim to design a landmark that is representative of its community, inclusive, democratic, interpreting its cultural, symbolic, and constructive tradition.

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The founding of Daireaux did not occur instantaneously but rather was the result of the continuous action of its population members, coming from different places, professions, and with various skills, who through their will, actions, work, and projects, allowed for a foundational action over time and the construction of a certain identity based on their diversity. 

For this reason, it can be said that Daireaux is the product of a "continuous, participatory, and multiple foundation." 

 

URBAN VALUE 

The Carlé axis presents two clearly differentiated border areas in the area to be intervened. The northwest edge forms a route along almost the entire axis that passes through the Municipal Fifth, the Bancarios Club, and ends at the Virgin Mary located at the intersection with Route 65.

The southeast edge is more intact and natural. 

Our project proposes to strengthen the current characteristics of the edges to emphasize the axis. To achieve this, a series of elements are proposed to form a linear landmark with sports and recreational uses on the northwest side, while on the southeast side, we propose afforestation to protect the areas from aggressive winter winds. 

Acting differently on both sides of the Carlé axis allows us to emphasize it and at the same time avoid dangerous pedestrian crossings in the intervention area. 

 

SEQUENTIAL LANDMARK 

We propose a continuous and participatory sequential landmark that incorporates symbolic value and spaces for community enjoyment. 

The bike path offers a linear route that connects various elements and spaces, including the landmark commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of Daireaux, the Virgin Mary, the Municipal Fifth, the Bancarios Club, and the new public space, the Centenary Landmark. 

We design a sequence of "beacons," vertical elements that consolidate the linear axis of J. Carle's access. These are variable elements, different in a way and equal from another perspective. They represent the people of Daireaux; they are a display of continued diversity with the aim of forming a common element, as it was during the gestation of Daireaux, as it is now. 

The equipment, which allows for various activities (leisure, recreation, and sports), promotes a plurality of social relationships and aims for the appropriation of space by the Daireaux community and visitors. 

 

ACCESS TO DAIREAUX 

From Route 65, a sequence of "beacons" is identified that allude to and commemorate the diversity of the citizens of Daireaux while illuminating and prioritizing the access. The urban landmark generates a new access situation for Daireaux and aims to become the representative symbol of the city. 

 

Project details:

Honorable Mention - Provincial competition for the construction of an urban landmark in commemoration of the centenary of Daireaux. 

Authors: Arch. Ezequiel Muñoz - Mariel Cámara. 

Date: 2010 

Location: Daireaux, Argentina.

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