The Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council launched this Monday pruning work on the central Dato street, with a first work front in the block between Manuel Iradier and Florida, an action that seeks improve luminosity and enhance urban and architectural value from this main street in the center.
The intervention responds to requests made by the neighborhood due to the loss of light in the area, caused by the large magnolias which darkened the surroundings and hid part of the streetlights, both day and night.
Reasons for the intervention
The existing trees, especially the more developed magnolias, It reduces natural light and limits the range of the luminaires, which affects the perception of safety and the general visibility of the street.
With a job of selective pruning, the City Council intends for the renewed lighting to reach the entire promenade more uniformly, restoring the visibility of the facades and promoting a more comfortable and pleasant transit for those who travel through Dato daily.
Scope and development of the works
Municipal teams have started in the block between Manuel Iradier and Florida and act on branches that interfere with light and relevant urban elements, avoiding persistent shadows at key points along the route.
It is a pruning evergreen magnolias, focused on removing canopy and branches that hinder lighting, without losing sight of the balance between improving clarity and maintaining trees as part of the urban landscape.
Fit into the lighting plan
This action is integrated into the comprehensive improvement of Dato Street lighting, a project that began in August with the renovation of lighting fixtures to enhance the quality of the public space.
According to the Councilor for Public Space, Beatriz Artolazabal, after changing the lights, pruning allows the light to reach all points of the walk more effectively and also contributes to enhance the image of the street so that the buildings that make up its surroundings can be better appreciated.
What is the purpose of pruning?
The intervention has a dual objective: to address the residents' demands and to enhance the functionality of the space. This is intended to gain clarity and security for daily traffic on one of the most representative arteries of the center.
- More natural light during the day and greater range of the luminaires at night.
- Improved pedestrian safety and comfort while walking.
- Restoring the visibility of the facades and adjacent urban heritage.
- Strengthening the quality of public space after the recent change of lighting fixtures.
Neighborhood demand and institutional drive
The Department of Public Space and Neighborhoods emphasizes that pruning responds to the Neighborhood requests for a clearer, safer Dato Street, an idea shared by the municipal team, considering this route as one of the city's main "calling cards."
The person in charge of the area, Beatriz Artolazabal, has insisted that the work not only improves lighting and safety, but also recovers the presence of the facades that make up the urban landscape of the area and that, until now, remained partially hidden.
With this pruning operation, complementary to the renovation of streetlights, the City Council hopes that Dato Street will gain in clarity, safety and urban appeal, responding to citizen demands and strengthening public space on a key pedestrian axis in the centre of Vitoria-Gasteiz.
