Barcelona-based h3o architects – headed by Adrià Orriols, Joan Gener, and Miquel Ruiz – has transformed an abandoned parking lot in Castell d’Aro, in Girona province, into a public plaza.

Covering 1,700 square meters, the intervention sought to revitalize this space, which was initially intended as a park to mark the town’s entrance along the Via Verda del Carrilet, but over time it was used for parking and for sporadic community activities, including collective meals.

The design focuses on three key elements: the restored barbecue, a large table zigzagging its way amid trees, and the re-naturalized space. The original barbecue, which is now the center of this neighborhood meeting point, is clad in blue tiles and ceramic details evoking the Mediterranean. The grounds now feature a pergola and a chimney, so the grill is now a marker visible from afar.

The project also tackled sustainability by re-naturing the place. Existing trees are left as they are, and native plant species have been planted to contribute to biodiversity by attracting birds and promoting pollination. The asphalt that covered the parking lot has partly given way to a series of inviting paths. This change makes the grounds more permeable and reduces the ‘heat island’ effect, resulting in a cooler and ultimately more welcoming spot for the community.