(article previously published in April 2012)
One year has passed since the implementation of the first phase of the Zaragoza tramway. At the end of the article, I will give my personal opinion about it. To explain to the public the second phase of the works, we were commissioned to produce several photomontages. On this occasion, unlike the infographics of the first phase, the images did not have the streetcar itself as the protagonist. People had already become accustomed to its presence in the city. Our urban infoarchitecture work consisted of transmitting the changes in the urban layout of the city that this second phase was going to bring about. We were not interested in seeing the streetcar, even if it was the protagonist in its path. We were interested in conveying the benefits of the solution in terms of roads, green areas, bicycle lanes, etc. Four locations were chosen: Paseo Independencia, Mercado Central, Actur and Parque Goya. The information provided by the Alday Jover architects team consisted of Google Street view photographs to locate the locations.
Plans of the layouts and details of all kinds in relation to catenaries, lampposts, bus shelters, paving, …
Prior to obtaining these data, we carried out “field work ” consisting of obtaining photographic details.
We started with the advantage that the first phase of the tramway was completed and in operation. We gathered information about the catenaries, canopies, pavements, vending machines… Once we knew the locations, and praying for a sunny day, we went to the four locations for several days to take pictures. Later, in dialogue with our clients, we chose the photos that, for different reasons, would be the basis of the urban renders (photomontages).
Our customer intranet system allowed for an effective feedback process. Images were uploaded and the various parties responsible for the final result made their comments. In projects of this nature where the client is not unique, our system allows us to create a history of all the comments and suggested changes. This is essential so that there are no contradictions.
Paseo Independencia urban rendering
It is one of the main promenades of the city. It is very recognisable by the citizens. Consequently, the margin of error is nil. A central point of view was chosen. The reference of the current lanes was the key to the correct adaptation of the 3D scenario on the photograph taken (all said with a plus of danger).
The removal of the taxis from the picture resulted in gaps in the picture. The “hidden” pavements had to be recreated. People were incorporated, new trees, facades and arches were retouched, and everything necessary to recreate the project and its surroundings as faithfully as possible. In short, everything necessary to recreate the project and the environment as faithfully as possible.as I have already mentioned, the tram was to appear in the images, but it was not to be the protagonist. Initially, it had more presence in the photomontage proposals, but finally, it took a back seat, and this decision was very difficult to digest because, not knowing initially this decision, we modelled in great detail the tram in 3 dimensions. 🙁
Central Market urban rendering
Another location that resides in the visual memory of the citizens.
The more elements that have to be removed from the base photo, the more complicated the photomontage is. In this case, all the vegetation in front of the walls had to be removed. To do this, we modelled and textured the walls in three dimensions, completed the parts of the cream building at the back and “cleaned” the area around the Central Market of fences. the pavement on the right was enlarged. We modelled it and placed some “invisible trees” to provide shade. The rest of the elements, platform, benches, tracks, were easier to incorporate into the photomontage.
The incorporation of people and a careful study of the lighting of the photo made the final result coherent, and images with a more evident presence of the tram were also discarded.
Actur – World Trade Center
Unlike the previous locations, we need the presence of the World Trade Center to locate the view er, the protagonists of this photomontage were the successive lines of urbanisation: lanes for road traffic – tramway tracks – bicycle lanes – green park and pavement, …
Special attention was required to recreate the shadows of the trees cast on the cycle path and tracks as well as the new trees placed on the left.
Parque Goya
It was the least recognisable location. First, it was necessary to take multiple serial photos.
From there, they were joined by removing the existing tree at the roundabout. It was important to visualise the confluence of the avenues and the implementation and passage of the roads in the neighbourhood. When this operation is carried out, the photomontage becomes more complicated. The vanishing points get confused and it is more difficult to fit everything together. As was foreseeable, the news of the works on the second phase of the tramway made some headlines in the local press.
My personal opinion on the tramway
- Urbanistically, it creates a similar barrier (only similar) to that of the train. I do not understand why some arguments are used to bury the train tracks and others for the implementation of the tram. It is a rigid infrastructure.
- The use of electric power is not an argument for environmental cleanliness. The tramway does not generate fumes, but power plants are not the epitome of sustainability.
- I believe that with the budget used, a long-term approach could have been taken. Something that, without any doubt, is not the main criterion of those who have to decide. Their “wishes” have a maximum horizon of four years. For example, a fleet of hydrogen buses would have been a more flexible solution over time. Today it could be hydrogen, tomorrow it could be solar energy – who knows! With the cost of the works, changes in the means of transport could be made as the time demanded. Without construction and adapting to the technology over time.
- The works have caused irreparablelosses to the traders. It cannot be an argument that they have now improved their situation. In any case, this argument can be refuted, as fewer stops mean less pedestrian traffic.
Let’s enjoy the tram. The wish of a few has been fulfilled. In short, a tram called desire.
If you want to see what urban rendering really contributes to perception, read this.