In the upcoming summer, the streets of Castillo and Valentín Sanz in the capital will be transformed with shaded areas, thanks to the installation of tarpaulins that will be attached, spanning from one side to the other, to the facades of the buildings. The aim, part of the Santa Cruz City Council’s strategic project to enhance the thermal comfort conditions of the city, is to equip this central area with structures that help to combat heat and improve the movement of residents and visitors, especially during the hottest months.
The initiative, announced by the local council in 2022, was awaiting the feasibility assessment from the Tenerife Island Council, as the application scope is confined to the historic complex of Antiguo Santa Cruz, recognised as a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC). The necessary approval has now been granted by the Historical Heritage department, giving the council the green light to kickstart the specifications process and subsequent tendering of the project, as confirmed by the Councilor for Public Services and Strategic Planning, Carlos Tarife, to DIARIO DE AVISOS.
The councilor elaborated that “with the approval from Historical Heritage, we can initially cover parts of Castillo Street and Valentín Sanz Street with awnings in both directions. This project has already been drafted, and now we need to get it approved and proceed with the tendering process.”
Although still in its infancy, the expectation is for it to materialize next summer. The project, named Panza de burro, was conceived by architect Alejandro Beautell and involves the partial, reversible coverage of the streets in the city centre using a mesh crafted from triangular modules stretched by a cable structure anchored to the facades and intermediate metal posts.
The author conducted a detailed study of Castillo Street and its surroundings, producing an elevation plan to design the proposal optimally, suggesting seven areas for shade placement, although the initial implementation will focus on two areas.
In February, the local Government Board identified the provision of shade in the city through sustainable infrastructure as a strategic venture. Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez highlighted that “the project aims not only to combat climate change and align with the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy but also to trigger economic, social, and tourist development in areas where vegetation incorporation is challenging.”
This initiative, eligible for European funding, will introduce shaded spots by enhancing greenery, installing multifunctional urban furniture, and incorporating textiles.
