The integration of art and architecture to build a crucial public space at the Paz Soldán roundabout—one of the most iconic and highly trafficked areas in Lima's San Isidro district—was one of the major challenges presented by the Municipality of San Isidro and Grupo Centenario when they launched the Paz Soldán Plaza National Competition. The competition is part of the "2021: Bicentennial Projects" initiative, directed by Gary Leggett.
Among its primary objectives, the competition seeks the transformation of the primarily vehicular roundabout into a freely accessible pedestrian plaza. Additionally, it proposes the spatial integration of the new Paz Soldán Plaza with the monumental area of El Olivar forest, not only establishing this new area as a gateway to the park but also making it a benchmark for other areas of the city. Meanwhile, the anticipated public art proposal offers a reflection on the role of art in public space. It is also worth noting the broad vision of the roundabout as an urban complex, extending beyond the specific area of intervention.
The three finalists and two honorable mentions have already been announced. Out of 160 registered teams, 60 submitted entries. The jury comprised architects Óscar Borasino, Sharif Kahatt, and Michelle Llona, along with art specialists Max Hernández Calvo and Natalia Majluf. The process was advised by specialists including Juan Carlos Dextre, on mobility and traffic impact, and Patricia Dias, on heritage. Finally, the selection of the winner will include a double-weighted vote from the San Isidro Neighborhood Boards.
This week, the finalist projects are on public display at the Paz Soldán roundabout. They are also published on the Municipality of San Isidro's Urban Lab platform to gather feedback and comments from the public, as well as votes from local residents. The competition decision and award ceremony will take place this Friday, April 20, and the final results will be published in detail on ArchDaily.
Below, we present the finalists—three valuable approaches to integrating public space into the city:
PLAZA BOSQUE
The project proposes connecting people with art through the plaza, featuring a forest of totems that serve as sculptures while allowing nature to grow.
Hector Rubén Suasnabar Noda (Lead Architect)
Juan Carlos Arana Izquierdo (Lead Artist)
Carlos Arturo Suasnabar Martinez (architect)
Rafael Arana Parodi (architect)
Yuri Amed Aguilar Chunga (architect)
Samuel Callirgos Padilla (architect)
Oscar Alexander Becerra Vargas (architect)
Aitana Ruelas Flores (architect)
LA PIEDRA Y EL OLIVO
This proposal aims to reclaim the district's tangible and intangible memory, from pre-Hispanic to Republican times, through elements designed to host art exhibitions.
Manuel Ricardo Flores Caballero (Lead Architect)
Eugénie Tazé-Bernard Corzo (Lead Artist)
Karel Van Oordt Montalvo (architect)
Guillermo Gonzáles Scheggia (Forestry engineer)
Oshin Guillermo Román (architecture student)
Julia Yeny Fernandez Vilca (architect)
PLAZA SUCULENTA
This project aims to make the new plaza a place for residents to pause and gather, using vegetation to buffer pedestrians from the traffic.
José Augusto Bauer Silva (Lead Architect)
Iosu Aramburú Mantovani (Lead Artist)
Augusto Román (architect)
Juan Caycho (architect)
Ailed Tejada -Representing Roman Bauer Arquitectos
*Please note that the final decision on the remodeling of San Isidro's Paz Soldán roundabout will take residents' opinions into account through a public consultation on the Urban Lab portal. Click here to leave your comments and vote.
Read more about the Paz Soldán Plaza National Competition call for entries here
This article was written by Delia Bayona. The translation is powered by AI.
