El Carmen Square

The urban design proposal for El Carmen Square in the Special Plan PC-MC10 of Murcia is shaped by the ongoing development of the new Murcia El Carmen railway station and future works, such as the planned bus station and public parking under Industria Street. These projects fall within the scope of this competition and will enhance the connectivity and functionality of the area.

El Carmen Square is designed as an open urban space, delimited by a new perimeter road for road traffic, yet it remains integrated into the surrounding urban fabric of Murcia. The concept focuses on eliminating barriers, creating a seamless flow of pedestrians and green spaces in both directions. This proposal aims to enhance connectivity between the neighborhoods of Carmen to the north and Santiago el Mayor and San Pío X to the south, bridging a long-standing urban gap caused by the train tracks.

This urban fracture has been a pressing issue for decades, and El Carmen Square presents a unique opportunity to resolve it, promoting community cohesion. Additionally, the proposal establishes an important east-west connection with the new green promenade, currently under development along the railroad tracks. This green corridor will provide access to more neighborhoods in Murcia and create a continuous green axis, paralleling Murcia Rio. The integration of walkways, vegetation, and recreational spaces will foster natural movement and permeability throughout the area.