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City's Dance with the Sea – Playa Charcos de Valleseco by Anca

The main goals of Playa Charcos de Valleseco include enhancing the city's maritime frontage and reclaiming the coast for residents. By transforming the area into a recreational hub, it supports a variety of urban activities compatible with the flow of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

The Playa Charcos de Valleseco project emerged from a winning proposal in a public competition, driven by local aspirations to reclaim the coastline for communal use. The vision resonated deeply with the community, leading to its development as a shared space for recreation and connection with the sea. Completed in 2023, the beach has since become one of Santa Cruz de Tenerife's most significant public spaces, catering to diverse leisure needs and coastal enjoyment. The successful completion of Playa Charcos de Valleseco marks a significant achievement for Santa Cruz de Tenerife, setting a precedent for future waterfront projects. Its recognition at the X edition of the Premios de Arquitectura Accesible, organized by Sinpromi, underscores the importance of inclusive design and community engagement. As the city continues to grow, Playa Charcos de Valleseco stands as a testament to the potential of urban coastal redevelopment to enhance public life.

"By reclaiming the coastline, Playa Charcos de Valleseco offers a renewed connection to nature for city dwellers."

The beach design draws inspiration from the “rasa costera” concept typical of the Canary Islands, merging coastal swimming with intertidal zones. The project integrates itself into the surrounding landscape, with particular attention to the Anaga slopes that frame the beach. This approach includes expansive green spaces and mature trees, creating a natural yet urban oasis that enhances the site's aesthetic appeal.

A central tenet of the design was to create a space that caters to the entire population, providing accessibility, safety, and comfort. The project’s thoughtful layout includes 350 meters of coastline and spans 19,000 square meters, featuring walkways, plazas, sunbathing areas, seating terraces, platforms, ramps, and accessible entry points to the sea. The Accessibility Award recognizes these efforts, validating Playa Charcos de Valleseco as a model for inclusive design.

"With its focus on accessibility and landscape integration, the beach exemplifies modern coastal design in urban settings."

The beach not only offers leisure and recreational opportunities but also serves as a bridge between the city and the sea, reconnecting the urban fabric with its natural coastline. The landscape design emphasizes open vistas to the horizon, a rarity in the city’s waterfront dominated by port infrastructure. This open layout invites visitors to experience the horizon’s expanse, reinforcing a sense of freedom and connection with nature.

Playa Charcos de Valleseco addresses the need for a balanced urban waterfront that accommodates recreational use while managing traffic flow. The design ensures compatibility between pedestrian areas and roadways, enhancing the overall experience of accessing and enjoying the coast. By considering future urban developments and maintenance, the project guarantees a sustainable approach to the city’s evolving needs.

The versatility of Playa Charcos de Valleseco allows it to be a year-round destination for various activities, from casual strolls and sunbathing to sports and water-based recreation. The inclusion of diverse features, such as jump platforms, staircases, piers, and green spaces, ensures that the beach caters to different preferences and age groups, fostering a space where all can gather. Playa Charcos de Valleseco connects the community to the natural beauty of Anaga, promoting a lifestyle that values both leisure and accessibility. Its thoughtful design invites visitors to engage with the coast, making it a celebrated addition to the city’s public spaces.

Credits: Promotion by Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Government of the Canary Islands, Cabildo of Tenerife, City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife // Work by Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife with Arquitectura ANCA (in collaboration with Meco Arquitectos Técnicos and ICA Ingenieros) and Civilport