Ontinyent wins international architecture award for its resilient park

The local council has been recognized with a UIA 2030 Award for transforming La Cantereria into the Parc de les Mamàs Belgas after the 2019 flood.

Generic image of an urban park designed for flood management.
IA

Generic image of an urban park designed for flood management.

The Valencian town of Ontinyent has received one of the prestigious UIA 2030 Awards, considered the "Oscars of Architecture," for the park built after the 2019 flood.

The award, promoted by the International Union of Architects (UIA) and UN-Habitat, recognizes the project in the category of climate change adaptation and urban resilience. The project enabled the transformation of the La Cantereria area and the creation of the Parc de les Mamàs Belgas.
This award, one of the most significant in architecture, urbanism, and sustainability, was presented in Baku (Azerbaijan) during the World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13). Members of the responsible architectural team, including Rafa Mira, Sari Calatayud, Ana Sanchis, and Sílvia Párraga, accepted the distinction.
The mayor of Ontinyent, Jorge Rodríguez, positively assessed the award, highlighting it as a source of pride for the city and recognition for the work done to turn a difficult situation into an opportunity to build a safer and more sustainable city. He congratulated the architectural team, collaborating administrations, and the citizens for their bold decisions.
The international jury emphasized that the Parc Inundable de les Mamàs Belgas "transforms flood risk into an opportunity for ecological development and the creation of a resilient public space." It also highlighted its capacity to manage periodic floods and protect urban life.
Ontinyent's project surpassed international nominations from Morocco, Mexico, and the United States, among over a hundred projects from 30 countries. This award adds to other European recognitions for urban regeneration and climate adaptation.