1785m International Competition Border Zone
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1785m International Competition Border Zone
1785m International Competition Border Zone is an innovative urban infrastructure project situated on the Bidasoa river estuary at the France-Spain border, representing a transformative approach to repurposing defunct airport infrastructure into a dynamic cross-border space for international competitions and sustainable tourism. This Bronze A' Design Award-winning project, designed by Ruben Tapias Cañas, spans 1785 meters in length and 29 meters in width, effectively converting an abandoned airport platform into a multifunctional sports and leisure complex. The design incorporates sophisticated environmental considerations, including the creation of new water channels that generated 227,500 cubic meters of aggregates, which were strategically repurposed to create observation points and acoustic barriers. The infrastructure features a comprehensive program of facilities including water sports venues for rowing and sailing, indoor and outdoor pools, gliding hangars, a one-kilometer runway for small aircraft, and a FIA-approved 4000-meter track for motorsports. The architectural composition employs 106 reinforced concrete frames with maximum spans of 12 meters and 120 lightweight metal frames, creating a continuous pedestrian circulation integrated with programmatic spaces. This project represents a significant advancement in sustainable tourism infrastructure, operating as a glocal network that catalyzes economic, social, and environmental change in the region. The design philosophy moves beyond traditional tourism models, offering a hybrid and complex leisure experience that serves both local and international visitors throughout the year, demonstrating how thoughtful urban planning can transform invasive infrastructure into an integrated, community-enhancing asset.
urban infrastructure, cross-border development, sustainable tourism, sports facility design, architectural transformation, environmental integration
CITATION : "Adam Dawson. '1785m International Competition Border Zone.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/1785m-international-competition-border-zone?E=439866 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"
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