Urban Renewal for Plaza Brión

Chacaíto serves as vital transportation hub in Caracas. Between the subway station, buses that cover most of the basic routes in the city, informal transportation alternatives and pedestrian crowds, its usually very congested. Chacaito is located in a privileged geographic center next to the financial district; many cultural, political and social activities develop around it. Nonetheless, many buildings on this sector are still inactive or under developed, being an obvious untapped real estate potential.

Chacaíto represents an opportunity to strengthen north-south road connections as well as a system of public spaces. The most important node of Chacaíto is Plaza Brión, a square developed by the subway company forty years ago. The focus of the square is a visually stunning piece of art developed by Venezuelan cinetic artist Jesus Soto; sadly, it can barely be appreciated by all the objects that harass the space. The square offers users a place of recreation, rest and encounter. Few public spaces like this exist in this sector of the city, both in intensity and magnitude, and that constitutes one of its greatest values.

The proposal for Plaza Brión is based on a catalogue of urban elements that help organize the space better. Understanding the centrality and the dynamics of pedestrian flows, it seeks to outline a clear and versatile space. At the same time, it improves the edges with businesses which, when activated, can establish a stronger relationship with the square, eliminating the dark and dangerous gaps between them. In response to the need for open space of the square, our bet was to place a central open and space for exhibitions, rallies and concert installations. With the establishment of this space, the square’s most iconic work of art – black and blue virtual cube of Jesus Soto – can be appreciated. At the same time, it generates a joint between the Plaza Brión and the recently recovered Boulevard de Sabana Grande.

This project was developed while working at Franco Micucci Arquitectos Asociados (MA+) and commissioned by the Municipality of Chacao.