Spain
refore economy of means was an important issue.
Ultimately the paths were made of 22cm-thick
concrete without reinforcement, with a triangular
system of 25mm expansion joints. Reinforcement
was used in the former rubbish dump area where
there was a risk of soil movement. A 20cm-wide
channel, designed to intercept run-off, follows the
walkway on the upslope, as well as at the foot of
the supporting walls. The edge of this consists of a
commercially produced 22cm-thick pre-cast concre-
te slab. The height of the edge determined the final
path thickness, in order to simplify the construction
process. This generous concrete width also allowed
for making bigger trapezoidal blocks in the square
without need of further expansion joints. On the
main paths the concrete finish is smooth, whereas
on the secondary paths with more than 11 per centslope, the concrete surface has been finely scraped
to improve grip.The fractal approach to the design inspires the zig-
zag layout of the paths and their final detail as well.
The path’s plank moulding was done with straight
boards, making it easier to construct and contri-
buting to the ‘faceted’ appearance. The expansion
joints were deliberately over-dimensioned to 25mm
in order to form a tracery of lines, dividing the paths
into trapezoidal shapes, which, in the steeper cases,
became irregular steps. By systematically breaking
up the concrete surfaces of the paths and squares
into relatively small pieces, the paths acquire a more
dynamic perception. The impression that one is sur-
rounded by massive blocks of concrete is avoided.
In order to avoid cracking, expansion joints were not7.17
Plan of main path showing expansion joint positions.
‘As built’ plan
7.18a
General plan of the asymmetric stairs