ARCA rejects the winning project to rehabilitate the Gesa surroundings and warns of its impact on the protected building
The conservation entity, a member of the contest jury, asks the Palma City Council to review the winning proposal, because it considers that it alters the image of José Ferragut's building and reduces the prominence of the green areas
PalmaThe Association for the Rehabilitation of Old Buildings (ARCA) has described as "unacceptable" this Wednesday the visual impact that, in its opinion, the winning project for the rehabilitation of the Gesa building and the Palma waterfront will cause. The entity considers that the proposal puts the integrity of a protected building at risk and asks the City Council to incorporate the observations made by the jury.
ARCA, which was part of the jury responsible for choosing the winning proposal, explains that it supported the project that finally came in second place, as it considers it "much more discreet and respectful" of the architectural ensemble. According to the association, this alternative gave more prominence to the building designed by architect José Ferragut and reserved the largest part of the plot for a green area.
The entity argues that any action on Gesa should be governed by the principles of minimal intervention and respect for the formal, volumetric, and visual integrity of the building, as well as the entire historic center of Palma.
Among the aspects that generate the most concern, ARCA points to the planned intervention inside the building, which it considers does not comply with the established protection levels, especially with regard to the ground floor and the auditorium.
It also expresses concern about the treatment of the upper terrace, which, as it warns, could end up being occupied by awnings and restaurant facilities that would disfigure the image and architectural values of the building.
The association also rejects the pergola included in the winning proposal, named Acord 440, because it considers that its large volumetric presence alters the perception of the Gesa building and blurs its silhouette. Furthermore, it questions the incorporation of a glass cube intended for the cultural center, both for its visual impact and for the doubts it raises about energy efficiency and suitability for Mallorca's climatic conditions.
Regarding the connection between Joan Maragall street and the maritime road, ARCA considers that the proposed solution is insufficient and does not meet the accessibility standards required in a public space of these characteristics. Likewise, it warns that the planned underground parking will reduce the possibilities of creating a quality green area.
Therefore, the entity urges the Palma City Council to take into account the observations recorded in the jury's minutes to avoid the creation of an "excessively harsh" space and to ensure that greenery becomes the main protagonist of the future transformation of the Gesa environment.
