fair architecture
Introduction
The Pontevedra Fairgrounds is a multifunctional complex for events such as exhibitions, fairs, salons and conventions. It is located in the Rosalía de Castro Park "Parque Rosalía de Castro (Pontevedra)"), next to the banks of the Lérez River, in the Spanish city of Pontevedra. It is fundamentally dedicated to the promotion and revitalization of various business sectors in Pontevedra and Galicia and is attached to the Pontevedra Congress and Exhibition Palace.
History
The building of the Pontevedra fairgrounds began to be built in 1997, at the initiative of the Government of Galicia, with modern architecture. The laying of the first stone of this venue dedicated to fairs and exhibitions took place on June 6, 1997.[1] It is the work of architect Manuel de las Casas, who was commissioned to design the project as an annex to the Auditorium and Conference Center of Pontevedra. He presented the project that best integrated the two buildings, achieving harmony between the entire complex and the spaces on the banks of the Lérez.[2].
The Fairgrounds were inaugurated on December 17, 1998 and opened to the public with the Pontevedra Automobile Fair Pomóvil inaugurated by the president of the Regional Government of Galicia.[3].
The Fairgrounds were managed from 1998 to 2020 by the autonomous body Palacio de Congresos y Expósitos, on behalf of the Pontevedra City Council.[4].
On November 23, 2024, the installation of a panoramic elevator, located on the balcony of the property, began to make it more accessible to the public, as well as the renovation of the cobblestone of the exterior esplanade. These actions, focused on preparing the venue for the celebration of the Feroz Awards, improved its functionality, aesthetics and accessibility.[5][6].
In December 2024, the project to landscape the parking lots that surround the fairgrounds was presented. This landscape improvement involves the planting of 71 trees in front of the façade facing Alexandre Bóveda Street and the creation of a 100 linear meter green strip along the parking lot, in its closest part to the building, with medium-sized trees and shrub species and a pedestrian path to connect all the parking spaces. In addition, another green strip is created separating Alexandre Bóveda Street, where benches will be installed, and another space with vegetation for rest is implemented with a wall conditioned as a bench in the part closest to the conference and exhibition center. In the Esplanade of the enclosure and accesses from the Rafael Areses promenade, a green strip is also created on the uphill ramp in which new trees are planted, the parking spaces are rearranged and delimited and new pedestrian routes are established.[7][8].