Zubitegi park in Mallabia,
design: BEAR Architects
On a degraded plot of land left over from a former sewage treatment plant in the Basque town of Mallabia was created Zubitegi Park, an innovative project by Bilbao-based studio BEAR Architects. This multifunctional space, combining elements of a park, town square and recreational infrastructure, was designed to be flexible, inclusive and fit harmoniously into a difficult site. The project not only revitalizes a forgotten part of the city, but also sets new standards in thinking about public spaces.
Zubitegi Park in Mallabia was built on a plot of land left over from a former sewage treatment plant
photo by Luis Díaz Díaz © BEAR Architects
degraded land, new possibilities
The southern end of Mallabia's city center was marked for decades by an unused sewage treatment plant. The difficult terrain of the plot, with a marked difference in elevation from the nearby road, posed a challenge for the designers. Bear Architects took on the task of creating a place that would integrate with its surroundings and become a center for social and sports activities.
Zubitegi Park in Mallabia - bird's eye view
© BEAR Architects
The goal was to design a space that would be accessible to different groups - from children to seniors, from people with disabilities to those with mobility limitations. The architects limited interference with the land while ensuring safety and usability. The design was inspired by the work of Cedric Price, who in the 1960s proposed visionary, flexible spaces such as the Fun Palace. Zubitegi Park draws on these concepts, adapting them to local realities and contemporary expectations.
Zubitegi Park in Mallabia - axonometry
© BEAR Architects
fluid form, open spaces
The park's structure is formed by two sloping pedestrian walkways, wrapped in steel mesh and topped with barrel-shaped roofs. Together with a spiral staircase, they provide access to the space, bridging height differences and connecting Mallabia with neighboring Ermua. Paths lead to a circular observation terrace at the eastern edge of the plot, offering views of the surrounding forest. An additional terrace, accessible via a winding trail, completes the vantage point offerings.
Zubitegi Park in Malabia - the park's structure is formed by two inclined pedestrian trails
photo by Luis Díaz Díaz © BEAR Architects
At the heart of the park is a paved plaza with seating and play equipment. Its modular layout allows for adaptation to new functions, such as a paddle court or skate park. The construction is based on lightweight materials - steel and precast concrete made from recycled stone - which reduced earthworks. The reuse of local aggregate for the pavement emphasizes the sustainable nature of the project.
Zubitegi Park in Mallabia - the project focuses on flexibility, allowing for a variety of uses
Photo: Luis Díaz Díaz © BEAR Architects
a laboratory for activity and change
Zubitegi Park is a space that escapes the definition of a traditional building. Inspired by the idea of a Fun Palace, the project focuses on flexibility, allowing for a variety of uses, from a playground to a meeting place or sports area. In the future, it can evolve to respond to new needs of residents.
The steel mesh gives the park an openwork character
photo by Luis Díaz Díaz © BEAR Architects
The modular design and lack of rigid partitions allows for flexible changes in the future. The steel mesh gives the park an openwork feel, while the colors - mint green roofs, cream-colored beams and bright red railings - create a cohesive aesthetic. Colorful accents on the stairs and railings improve visibility, promoting safety for users with vision limitations.
The colors of the structure - mint green roofs, cream-colored beams and bright red balustrades - create a cohesive aesthetic
Photo by Luis Díaz Díaz © BEAR Architects
a place for all generations
Inclusivity and intergenerationalism are pillars of the project. Paths and terraces are accessible to people with limited mobility, and precise lighting eliminates dark spots for comfort after dark. The infrastructure allows for a variety of activities - from strolling to intense workouts - integrating residents of different ages and needs.
The goal was to design a space that is accessible to a variety of groups - from children to seniors, from people with disabilities to those with mobility limitations
Photo by Luis Díaz Díaz © BEAR Architects
ecology in the service of architecture
The choice of materials was driven by the need to minimize interference with the difficult terrain. Lightweight steel construction and precast concrete allowed for reduced earthwork, and recycled aggregate was used for the pavement. This choice of materials reduced the environmental impact of construction. The steel mesh provides natural ventilation and integration with the environment, and the color finishes - ranging from mint green to red - combine aesthetics with functionality, such as corrosion protection. The project proves that ecology and modern design can go hand in hand.
Zubitegi Park in Mallabia - elevation drawings
© BEAR Architects
A bridge between cities, a bridge to the future
Zubitegi Park brings life back to a forgotten part of Mallabia. Pedestrian connections to Ermua strengthen the region's cohesion, encouraging the use of public spaces. The flexibility of the project makes it a model for cities struggling with brownfield sites. In a global context, the project is part of the debate about the future of public spaces. In the face of climate change and rising expectations of inclusivity, Zubitegi Park shows how architecture can respond to complex challenges. A reference to Cedric Price reminds us that spaces can evolve, adapting to new realities.
Zubitegi Park brings life back to a forgotten part of Mallabia
photo by Luis Díaz Díaz © BEAR Architects
a space that lives
Zubitegi Park is an example of a project that combines vision with pragmatism. BEAR Architects created a place that not only revitalizes a difficult area, but also sets the standard for public spaces. Thanks to its adaptability, accessibility and ecological approach, the park becomes an inspiration for future urban initiatives. It is a space that encourages activity, exploration and co-creation.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of BEAR Architects.
