In Spanish, the word “estela” has two meanings: one is a trail, a footprint left by something when it passes by. The other is stele, a small monument left in the ground to commemorate and remember something. The proposal for the refurbishment of the main square in Villamoros de Mansilla, integrates both meanings.
There are two main needs to be solved: on one hand, to provide entity to a disorganized public space that has a complex geometry, that however hosts community activities such as gatherings, concerts and informal children games.
On the other hand, to create a recognizable image linked to the “St. James trail”, that will help to reactivate the area, creating a pole of attraction for pilgrims: a place where they can stop, have a rest, drink and recover from the walk before continuing their way.
The system of three milestones of the road provides the public space with water, rest and shade, responding to the needs of the pilgrim. These are formalized with different aggregations of Comú benches, some with metal backrest, two models of Soc stools and Push limits alignments.
Photography: Ayto. Villamoros de Mansilla
