Valencia to Redesign Plaza del Ayuntamiento to Eliminate "Visual Pollution"

Valencia City Council will update the appearance of Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The authorities aim to transform the space into a unified urban environment that harmonises with the historic centre.

The Department of Tourism promoted the initiative following a technical analysis, a study of international benchmarks, and coordination with the architects of the square's future redevelopment. City authorities held a series of meetings with businesses holding terrace permits on the square to agree on a unified design.

After analysing various options, the team designing the comprehensive redevelopment project for the square approved the so-called "Classic Line."

The new design is built on a unified colour palette. Metal structures will be in grey or graphite-black, and textile elements in white or beige shades. Umbrellas, the main visual element of the terraces, will be square-shaped and made of acrylic fabric. Chairs will feature a metal frame and a fine mesh seat. The look will be complemented by warm, dim table lighting that will not interfere with the illumination of the protected facades.

The rules will also apply to signage: they must blend with the buildings' architecture, utilise matte materials, and feature neutral or natural metallic colours. Brand logos on umbrellas, sponsor lettering, digital screens, and other obtrusive advertising will be completely removed from the new look.

The project will be submitted to the Municipal Heritage Protection Commission for review. If necessary, corresponding regulatory amendments will be made. 

"We want the square to breathe again, for its architecture to shine without unnecessary pomposity, and for businesses to coexist in perfect harmony with the beauty of our historic centre, returning the peace and dignity that Valencia deserves," stated Paula Llobet, Councillor for Tourism.