Plaza de la Villa

For decades, the main plaza in the center of Sencelles had ceased to function as a vibrant public space, serving primarily as a parking lot. Despite its historical impor-tance and its location among key civic buildings—including the 13th-century Parish Church, Town Hall, post office, and a local café—its role as a social hub had faded.

Vehicular traffic cut through the square, and the space was split into two levels connected only by stairs, limiting accessibility. With few amenities or design features, the plaza offered little opportunity for community use, cultural events, or daily interaction. Still, the scale of the space and the architectural dignity of its surroundings provided a strong foundation for a mean-ingful intervention.

The project’s goal was to reclaim the plaza as a lively, inclusive space at the heart of village life. Commissioned by the mayor’s office, the brief called for a reevaluation of traffic and a transformation of the square into a place for gatherings, markets, processions, and cele-brations. Universal accessibility and environmental sustainability were key objectives. A participatory process with residents ensured that local needs guided the design.

Sustainability strategies included increasing biodiversity, supporting local culture and industry, reducing traffic impact and the heat island effect, and reusing existing materials. The new design enhances pedestrian comfort while preserving heritage and promoting local traditions.

One key design move was the addition of a ramp connecting the two levels of the square. Integrated into a field of fixed stone bleachers, it offers full accessibility and creates informal seating for public events. The design also responds to the Mediterranean climate: four shaded outdoor “rooms” feature colorful benches by local artisans, offering rest and sensory delight. Local vegetation filters light and defines space while reinforcing regional identity.

All materials and construction techniques were locally sourced, giving the square a distinctly Mallorcan character. The new paving system replaces curbs and asphalt with a unified, barrier-free surface. A narrow one-way traffic lane remains, visually minimized and marked by bollards.

What was once a fragmented, car-dominated space is now a flexible public setting for everyday use and special occasions—an environment of social inclusion, civic identity, and cultural expression.