During the presentation of the Padre Anchieta pedestrian walkway project, the president of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, and the engineer José Romo, CEO of Fhecor Ingenieros Consultores and the mastermind behind the design, shared insights. This innovative design, which was honoured with the National Innovation and Design Award in 2019, is unparalleled in Europe. José Romo stated, “There are no gateways in Europe that I know of with this typology and these connections.”
Dávila praised its innovative nature, declaring it will become an iconic structure for the Island, transforming the entrance to La Laguna. The completion of the project is expected in the first quarter of 2025. The installation of the first module began last night and aimed to finish between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. today. This initial piece will create a grand entrance to the plaza at the Faculty of Biology, seamlessly integrating with the existing elevated area to ground level.
Sculpture Installation
Once finished, the plaza at the Faculty of Biology will house the sculpture of Father Anchieta to bring life to the space. To ensure the sculpture’s appropriate placement and orientation, collaboration with the City Council of La Laguna and the Anchietanos is underway. The sculpture’s relocation from the ULL’s central garden to the plaza is scheduled for the night of the 17th. Dávila noted that the transfer will be conducted vertically due to the sculpture’s current state of deterioration, followed by restoration at its new location.
Discussing the walkway project, José Romo highlighted the concept of creating a circular route to connect various points efficiently and aesthetically. The design prioritises user comfort and safety, featuring a metal structure with a layer of non-slip resin and discreet LED lighting integrated into the handrails. The project also includes overhead lighting in covered areas. Collaboration with the La Laguna City Council is ongoing to incorporate surveillance cameras in the vicinity.
Additionally, Romo revealed a noteworthy detail about the royal reaction to the project. King Felipe VI expressed interest in the walkway during the National Innovation and Design Award presentation. Romo’s portfolio includes notable projects like the Gordie Howe Bridge, set to become the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America, and the Mersey Bridge in Great Britain.
