The Steps of Girona - the Pujada de Sant Domenec

The Pujada de Sant Domenec

Continuing the study of public spaces, our group spent time investigating a unique elevated plaza, the Pujada de Sant Domenec. Geometrically complex and difficult to describe, the space has evolved over centuries and combines street and passive plaza activities with dynamic spatial characteristics unlike anything most students had ever seen. Buildings enfronting the space include a medieval palace multi-family houses, cafes, workshops, stores and a monastery, while use of the space changes dramatically over the course of each day, coming to its highest level at night. Sketching, measuring steps and levels, and people-watching in this complex space over several days provide valuable lessons for the students when they confront future design projects.