Attached is a photo essay inspired by the design stage of the Arbutus Greenway. Other places, it seems, have done things in the public realm that are vaguely similar. And it got me looking.
Here in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, the city has transformed their seawall (the Malecon) with some major work. Total length is about 2 km. And the work was done in stages over decades. All to vastly improve the experience for locals and tourists alike.
Click a photo for larger versions in the form of a slide show with marvelously insightful captions.
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- Approaching the Malecon from the north. Note the width, bike lane, curb bulge and ramp.
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- More typical PV sidewalk
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- On the left, a former State Highway, now devoted to pedestrians and bikes. What was an endless stream of rumbling beer trucks and farm boy pickups blaring pop music is now a much busier retail area.
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- An specific point attraction, with raised elevation, sculpture and some super-duper view. Note the public bathrooms.
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- Tables and planters .
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- Planter with surprisingly comfortable seating on the edges. Note the designs, set into the concrete, and made of polished black stones.
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- One of many public sculptures that attract people for photos and climbing opportunities.
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- Planter with meandering edges that serve as informal seating for a group.
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- Variable and fixed location lighting on the seawall boundary.
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- A sculpture garden, highlighted with a raised platform.
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- Interactive public sculpture.
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- An ancient public sculpture flanked by the city’s name, decorated with images from famous local artist Manuel Lepe.
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- Lepe again, on the older part of the Malecon. Similar setting, but less effective designs.
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- Early planter/seating combination. Unattractive to my eye, but comfortable enough, although limited seating.
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- Famous local athlete Lorena Ochoa Reyes.
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- Classical style sculpture atop an early attempt at an interactive terminal kiosk. Note the light pedestal in the background. In some places, these LED’s change colour on occasion.
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- Cultural icons frozen in dance.
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- Pedestrian bridge across the Rio Cuale, impressively successful and occasionally crowded. Look for an upcoming separate post on this.
Interesting public art work.
Very cool. I note the photos indicate largely hard urban rather than leafy suburban sites.