Urban symbolic spaces
Introduction
The Park of the Times is an urban public space located in the city of Holguín, in the province of the same name, in eastern Cuba. It is distinguished by its aesthetic proposal of a modernist and sculptural line, combining metal, mortar "Mortar (construction)") and artistic design.[1].
It was inaugurated in 2016 with the purpose of constituting a visual and cultural landmark in a previously degraded urban environment. The work is considered a reference of contemporary sculptural expression within the context of the city of parks.[2].
History
Concept and initiative
The original idea for the park was conceived by artist Cosme Proenza, who publicly expressed his gratitude to the collaborating artists during the project's execution. The decision to build the park in that space was due to the purpose of transforming a barren and underused land into a visual landmark of an artistic nature within an urban environment that lacked an outstanding aesthetic proposal.[3].
Construction
The work was erected using the technique known as “direct cement”, with sculptural direction by Silvio Pérez Carralero and Julio César Sánchez. It was built on a steel and metal mesh structure, on which several layers of mortar were applied until the final finish was reached.
During its development, penetrable sculptural elements, symbolic porticos and fountains were incorporated, with a conception of spatiality and volume that sought to break with the conventional schemes of squares and urban accesses.[4].
Modifications and evolution
Originally, the park had a central sculpture that represented the “God of Rain”, inspired by the pictorial series The Gods Listen. Over time, that sculpture was removed or replaced by a virtual fountain in the shape of an open ellipse, incorporating benches at the interior ends.
In addition, three small fountains were maintained in the current design, adopting curved shapes similar to trumpets. LED lighting was added as an expressive element, using specific colors to enhance the volume and figure of the sculptural pieces.[1].