Urban form

The dramatic nature of the topography of Zorrotzaurre and the wide curve of the river subtly condition the well-defined urban mesh of Bilbao.

The resulting positioning of the buildings generates a terrain that is textured throughout its length. It contracts to adapt itself to the small scale of current buildings and expands in response to the more open spaces.

In this way, the Plan accommodates both historic buildings and important new investments and puts both in contact with a generous public waterside.

The future Zorrotzaurre skyline will have an irregular profile with generous empty spaces, which remind us of other densely built water-sides in other parts of the world. The built volume is lower in the Central District to reflect the charm of Sarriko Park on the other side of the canal and to create a perfect place to show the unity of the landscape, history and exciting new architecture.

The long skyline rises gently towards the end, while within each group of buildings the profile has that attractive irregularity of cities that transform over time. The narrow profiles of the buildings as seen from the other side of the water accentuate their height and give the island an urban feel.