Mirrors Plaza: A Dynamic Urban Intervention by Bla! Estudio Creativo & Abarca Palma Arquitectos

Revitalizing Residual Urban Space

Mirrors Plaza, designed by Bla! Estudio Creativo and Abarca Palma Arquitectos, is a visionary urban intervention transforming a forgotten public space into a vibrant, interactive environment. Situated in Las Condes, Santiago, the plaza was once an isolated urban island, a triangular space left over from the underground construction of Manquehue Avenue. The project reimagines this underutilized area by integrating colorful floor murals, modular urban furniture, and a reflective canopy, fostering new possibilities for community engagement and public interaction.

Design Elements: A Multi-Sensory Experience

1. Geometric Floor Mural

The design introduces a striking triangular and trapezoidal floor painting, inspired by Pantone color palettes from the automotive brand SEAT, which reflect the hues of the Barcelona skyline. This dynamic mural creates a visual identity for the space while guiding movement and interaction.

2. Modular Urban Furniture

A series of plywood-built seating structures extend from the floor mural’s geometric patterns, offering multi-level seating arrangements that encourage spontaneous activities like social gatherings, performances, play, and relaxation. The structures feature bold red, orange, and yellow hues, reinforcing the plaza’s energetic aesthetic.

3. Reflective Steel Canopy

A stainless steel-covered roof structure defines the plaza, supported by six steel pillars aligned with existing planters. This canopy not only provides shade and weather protection but also integrates a mirrored surface, creating a captivating interplay between the built environment and human activity. The design references Norman Foster’s Vieux Port Pavilion in Marseille and Fermín Vázquez’s Mercat dels Encants in Barcelona, both known for their innovative use of reflective surfaces in urban spaces.

4. Sustainable Water Management

The roof design incorporates an eco-friendly water drainage system, directing rainwater to nourish the surrounding trees. This strategy enhances the plaza’s sustainability, aligning with contemporary green urban planning principles.

A Model for Urban Activation

Mirrors Plaza exemplifies the potential of adaptive reuse in urban design, transforming neglected spaces into interactive and multi-functional public areas. By incorporating bold visuals, interactive elements, and sustainable strategies, the project fosters community engagement and cultural expression.

All Photographs are works of Gonzalo Zuñiga, Felipe Ugalde