PALO DE MAYO
In the square of the Parc del Espolón, a tree has disappeared from the grid. What happened to it? Why hasn’t it been replanted? Starting from an anecdotal observation, our project appropriates this void, this anomaly becomes our opportunity. A Palo de Mayo takes its place, it’s the point of convergence of all the existing urban situations nearby; like a synthesis of the ingredients that make up this urban fragment. The freshness of the fountain at the Monumento al general Espartero, the soundscape of the Concha, the shifting lights of the peripheral roads. The verticality and materiality of the Palo de Mayo is on the same scale as the city. Our proposal is an invitation to party, gather and exchange. It’s a celebration of the city as we dream it, as we conceive it. It’s an architecture around which we all converge, no interior space or orientation, here the entire space of the city is an infinite pavilion.
SEQUENCE 01 - MIRROR
Entirely covered with mirrored film panels, the base of the Palo de Mayo becomes the projection of its surroundings: the uncontrolled dynamism of the city, the reflections altered by the effects of light and mist, the individuals submerged in the euphoria of the party and of the crowd.
Some faces are equipped with switches, allowing users to alter the Palo de Mayo and the image they perceive of it.
SEQUENCE 02 - SPRAY
The second vertical sequence of the Palo de Mayo features a water misting system that is active both during the day and in the evening, taking advantage of the tree canopy to enhance the freshening of the square while consuming a minimal amount of water.
A tank, supplied with water either recovered from the rain or sourced from the nearby Ebro river, is installed inside the structure. It provides regular misting while simultaneously stabilizing the structure of the Palo de Mayo.
SEQUENCE 03 - SOUNDSYSTEM
Two loudspeakers per side provide a uniform sound distribution across the square.
They are connected to a central system whose musical and radio programming will be produced in partnership with local cultural entities.
Cultural activities will use the system to support their events, and in addition to music, podcasts recorded as part of the festival may also be broadcast.
In this way, the Palo de Mayo becomes a relay and support for the various activities taking place elsewhere in the city and on the other festival sites.
SEQUENCE 04 - LIGHT
The 8 faces of the Palo de Mayo light sequence are equipped with luminous bulbs, whose light intensity gives rhythm to the life of the square, revealing to the surroundings the events that take place there, responding to the cycle of day and night.
With its luminous crown, it can be identified and located from any side of the square, inviting users to come closer, like a lighthouse shining continuously at 360° for the 7 days of the festival.
