Zonas de Caracas

ACX-1

This plaza is Sanabria Architects’ second project for the block north of Banco Central. Built in tribute to sculptor and painter Juan Pedro López (1885-1945), it has a clear intention of urban planning. Sanabria proposed dividing the block into four different-level quadrants, and visually linking the two existing temples –the Church of Altagracia and the Church of Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes– via the triangular building that houses the museum, in the southeast corner. The plaza overcomes significant topographical differences between its south edge, by Altagracia Church, and its north side, facing the Ministry of Education. Taking advantage of the differences in level, an underground parking, public services, Salvador de la Plaza House of Culture and Ernesto Peltzer Library were added to the plaza. On its surface there are areas with trees to the northeast, alternating with urban furniture with double-toned stone finish; an open plaza to the northwest; trellised areas alternating with gardens in a central «H» shaped body; a covered plaza with steps shaped like an amphitheater to the southwest and, to the southeast, a corner built up as a low triangle, with a striking finish, which in its diagonal shows the access to the upper level of the plaza. A sidewalk with a particular design of black asphalt and brushed concrete strips surrounds the plaza.