urban pattern as a commitment to culture and history
In this urban design for Platja de Palma, tourism is connected to the local context through a lively paving pattern based on the unique local weaving technique: ‘Roba de Llengües’.
The Mallorcan coastal city of Platja de Palma is flooded every year by low-end tourism. Without taking notice of the rich Mallorcan history and the beautiful hinterland, tourists hide behind the beach and booze. How do you integrate the rich Mallorcan history and culture in a multifunctional, coherent and lively street? A street that connects the tourist with the locals, and at the same time the coast with the hinterland.
ZOETMULDER rediscovered the traditional ‘Ikat’ weaving technique and transform the expressive ‘Roba de Llengües’ patterns into an interactive urban pavement. For many years Mallorcan artisans have adapted the traditional Ikat to an abstract flame-shaped pattern inspired by the local landscape and Mediterranean colors. By adapting the typical ‘Roba de Llengües’ to a three-dimensional paving, it gives meaning to cultural identity and fosters opportunities for a stronger relationship between local activities and tourism.
