The Carta Palace and the vicinity of Los Charcos de Valleseco have been acknowledged for their accessibility at the Accessible Architecture awards, presented annually by the Insular Society for the Promotion of People with Disabilities (Sinpromi), an organisation under the Social Action of the Cabildo of Tenerife. These awards aim to promote the design and construction of buildings and environments that embody universal accessibility.
The refurbishment conducted at the Palacio de Carta has been honoured in the category of completed work in Architecture. The accolade was granted for the Renovation of the Ground Floor of the Palacio de Carta, a project executed by architects Fernando Arocha and Deiene González from Fadg studio. This recognition emphasises that, despite the property’s significant architectural protection, the refurbishment incorporates subtle accessibility features, ensuring access and usability for all individuals, according to the awards’ jury.
In the Finished Work-Urban Planning category, a Special Mention was awarded for the intervention in the Maritime Defence and Planning of the Puddle Zone within the Valleseco Functional Area. Here, the inclusion of elements promoting universal accessibility throughout the area was commended, ranging from designated parking spaces to accessible lavatories and bathing facilities, thereby ensuring that the area is safe and available to all.
The mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, expressed his gratitude to the jury of the awards presented by Sinpromi “for recognising the efforts we make in Santa Cruz in every project, where universal accessibility is a fundamental principle in their execution.”
The mayor further highlighted that in the case of the Palacio de Carta, “an innovative accessibility system concealed beneath the steps has been integrated, enabling the property to offer universal accessibility at its main entrance”, while in Los Charcos de Valleseco, “the ramp systems at the entrances and for accessing the sea ensure that users with reduced mobility can fully enjoy the area.”
On October 24, the Cabildo of Tenerife held the Accessible Architecture Awards, which this year marked their tenth anniversary. Organised by Sinpromi since 2003 on a biennial basis, the event was chaired by the Minister of Social Action, Águeda Fumero, and attended by Javier Rivero, the Councilor for Infrastructure of Santa Cruz, on behalf of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council.
