The Balcony of the Guadalquivir faces its metamorphosis after the great hydraulic work of storm tankwhich is entering its final phase before giving way to a complete restoration of the space. The intervention, promoted by Emacsa and carried out by the joint venture formed by FCC Construction and Viguecons EstévezIt will transform the surface into a pleasant garden, with shaded areas, urban wetlands and drainage materials at the river's edge.
Presented by the Mayor José MarÃa BellidoThe project, overseen by the president of Emacsa, Daniel GarcÃa-Ibarrola, and the architect Rafael Fernando MarÃn, covers more than 18.000m² and seeks to move away from the hard plaza to create a cooler and more livable environment. The proposal respects the essence of the design of Juan Navarro Baldewegbut it focuses on climate adaptation with Nature-Based Solutions and the European Green Infrastructure Strategy.
Five lines of action to renaturalize the Balcony
The first major action is the landscaping of the old poolsThe three longitudinal pools will be transformed into gently sloping meadowswith natural grass and native trees, designed for sitting, resting and enjoying the river without sacrificing the original topography.
The second axis contemplates naturalized ponds about 70 centimeters deep, fed with chlorine-free groundwater, which will integrate local flora and faunaThe protected species appears among the planned species. saltwort (Aphanius baeticus), reinforcing the ecological value of the whole.
The third block adds up natural shades and modular canopiesInspired by the geometric patterns of the Mosque-Cathedral, these micro-perforated roofs, with a metal structure in ochre and red ochre tones, will be combined with trees to mitigate the heat island and encourage longer stays.
Fourth, they will be implemented Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)Porous paving, filter trenches, and three infiltration wells will collect rainwater and return it to the ground. A subsequent borehole will allow the use of groundwater in the watering, washing down, tank cleaning and filling the ponds, closing the water cycle without resorting to drinking water.
Finally, the fifth line prioritizes low-consumption Mediterranean species, drip irrigation, recycling of materials and use of local resources; a commitment to green that displaces gray in an enclave that was previously arid and merely a passageway.
Materials, water and management: long-term sustainability
The design prioritizes the reuse of natural stone, granite edging and paving stones of the original Balcony, applying low environmental footprint techniques. The new permeable pavements and urban wetlands will reduce surface temperature and increase the humidityimproving comfort during the hottest months.
The plant palette will be coordinated by Image and Parks and Gardensbalancing aesthetics, sustainability, and cultural heritage. The maintenance plan will incorporate criteria of water efficiency, less waste generation and contained energy consumption, with a comprehensive approach to the water cycle.
Emacsa emphasizes that the Balcón del Guadalquivir will once again be a grand gateway to Cordobalinking contemporary city and historical heritage. The reason for the Gate of San Ildefonso The Mosque-Cathedral inspires the canopies, reinforcing a serene dialogue between modernity, local identity and the river landscape.
The project aligns with the Municipal Plan against Climate Change (PMCC 2022-2030)especially in urban greening, shade creation, improvement of natural heritage and decarbonization of the urban water cycle thanks to the comprehensive application of SOUTH.
The hydraulic works culminate with the city's first tank with 24.000 capacitywhose closure is expected between December and January; from then on, construction of the garden will begin. The complete restoration of the space is set as the target date. first semester of 2026integrating engineering, landscape and citizen use.
With a budget of 22,2 millionThe joint venture FCC Construcción–Viguecons Estévez is carrying out the project promoted by Emacsa, which puts an end to the problems of leaks and the costly maintenance of the old pools. The goal is to leave behind the hard square and promote coexistence with benches, shade and waterfront areas.
The architect Rafael Fernando MarÃn has reinterpreted Navarro Baldeweg's proposal, incorporating Cordoban references, from the terrace-garden of the Rich Hall of Medina Azahara even the spirit of the old urban beach of half a century ago. In this way, a daily connection with the Guadalquivirinviting you to sit in the sloping meadow and stroll alongside living wetlands.
Beyond aesthetics, the combination of vegetation, water, and permeable paving offers a a cooler and more resilient environmentDesigned to combat high temperatures and generate biodiversity, Córdoba gains a green lung by the river that will no longer be just a thoroughfare, but a space for social use, leisure and contemplation throughout the year.