Year: 2026
Location: Galdakao, Bizkaia
Architects: TAPER
Technical architect: Jesús Pulido Peregrina
Structural engineer: Mintegia y Bilbao arquitectos
Client: Galdakao’s Town Hall
The project aims to improve the pedestrian link between the Tximiolarre neighbourhood and the town centre of Galdakao by means of a new urban elevator and a footbridge, thereby bridging the significant difference in level between Lapurdi Street and Tximiolarre Lane.
The elevator connects three levels: Lapurdi Street, the Volta football ground and Tximiolarre Path, bridging a height difference of approximately 12.75 metres. At the lower level, the project reorganises the public space and creates a new area for people to linger and meet, whilst at the upper level a footbridge completes the route and opens out onto the football ground via a small viewing platform.
The project aims to integrate the new infrastructure into its surroundings through a unified and restrained use of materials. Corten steel characterises the lift tower, the walls and the footbridge, combined with glass and concrete paving. The preservation of existing vegetation and the incorporation of new plantings complete a project that views the improvement of accessibility as an opportunity to enhance the public space and strengthen connections within the neighbourhood.