Parque Central Quilmes: Transforming An Underutilized Industrial Area Into A Dynamic And Accessible Urban Space | Architecture Thesis on Urban Regeneration

Site Context

Originally an industrial zone, the site was enclosed by walls, restricting connections between a central part of the city and a nearby residential neighborhood. Its location next to the railway tracks further heightened its isolation, limiting residents’ mobility. During the site analysis, an ongoing housing project was identified within the lot, which was chosen to incorporate into the proposal.

The design is centered around a large urban park that integrates various functions, including housing, commerce, cultural spaces, and sports facilities. Buildings are strategically placed along the perimeter, ensuring a seamless transition between the existing urban fabric and the newly created public space.

Design Process

The key challenge was converting the site from a barrier into a connector. To accomplish this, the industrial footprint was reduced, making room for a central park. Residential buildings were strategically positioned along the edges, establishing a defined urban frontage that interacts with both the existing city and the new green space.

The architectural design responds to the surrounding context, ensuring a balanced integration of scales. New pedestrian pathways provide safe crossings over the railway tracks, while at-grade streets minimize car traffic, promoting walkability and enhancing urban vibrancy.

Final Outcome

The proposed design revitalizes a previously underutilized industrial area in Quilmes, transforming it into a vibrant, accessible urban space. At its core, a newly introduced central park acts as a green lung, offering much-needed recreational space while fostering social interaction and environmental quality. This park becomes the heart of a broader effort to reconnect residents with nature and each other.

Surrounding the green space, new forms of social housing are introduced to recompose urban fronts, reinforce neighborhood identity, and integrate different socio-economic layers. These residential developments establish an active edge that supports both community growth and street-level engagement.

Mixed-use ground floors and urban amenities are strategically incorporated to energize the streetscape, enhance safety, and promote continuous activity throughout the day. Meanwhile, the reorganization of the historic Quilmes brewery enables it to remain a functional part of the urban fabric. By introducing active frontages and improving connectivity, the project prevents the industry from becoming isolated and instead encourages interaction with the surrounding community.

Improved pedestrian connections and newly designed level streets further enhance urban integration, including safe crossings over the Roca railway tracks. This network promotes walkability and reduces reliance on vehicular traffic, creating a more sustainable, human-centered environment.

Conclusion: Overall, the project serves as a model for inclusive urban regeneration—where public space becomes a catalyst for sustainable development and community cohesion in Quilmes. This approach not only revitalises the region but also fosters a sense of belonging among residents, encouraging them to engage with their surroundings.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]