1785m: A Cross-Border Space of Innovation and Tourism

Revolutionizing Tourism Dynamics with Sustainable Design

1785m, a groundbreaking urban infrastructure designed by Ruben Tapias Cañas, is redefining the concept of tourism and its impact on local communities. This cross-border space of innovation and competition is set to transform the Bidasoa river estuary, located on the France-Spain border, into a hub of economic, social, and environmental change.

Inspired by the need to counteract the invasive nature of existing airport infrastructure and the overwhelming influx of sun and beach tourism, 1785m offers a unique solution. It presents an integrated approach to tourism, one that goes beyond the traditional sun and beach model and embraces a sustainable format capable of leaving a positive and lasting impact on its environment.

What sets 1785m apart is its ability to manage and mobilize a "glocal" network, attracting both local and global tourists. This urban infrastructure acts as a catalyst for change, offering a hybrid and complex leisure experience that appeals to a wide range of visitors.

The design of 1785m revolves around a 1785-meter-long and 29-meter-wide platform, which serves as the foundation for the project. The platform is divided into two bands: a speed band and a programmatic band. The programmatic band is transformed into a series of buildings through the strategic placement of 106 reinforced concrete frames, creating a continuous pedestrian circulation filled with various programs and activities.

One of the key features of 1785m is its versatility. The space is designed to accommodate a wide range of events and activities throughout the year. From water competitions like rowing and sailing to indoor and outdoor pools, hangars for gliding, a 1-kilometer runway for small planes, and a multi-use track for go-karting, cycling, and skating, there is something for everyone.

1785m not only offers a diverse range of experiences but also operates as a unique architectural language that seamlessly blends people, vehicles, technology, and nature. It is a space that embodies coherence, reality, and order, providing visitors with an immersive and unforgettable experience.

The realization of 1785m was not without its challenges. The project had to overcome the conflict of repurposing a failed airport infrastructure and gaining acceptance from the surrounding cities. However, through innovative design and a clear vision, 1785m has successfully transformed a once-invasive space into a tourism condenser that benefits both the local and global community.

Since its completion in June 2014, 1785m has garnered recognition and accolades for its ingenuity and contribution to urban design. It was awarded the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in City Planning and Urban Design in 2018, a testament to its ability to incorporate best practices in art, science, design, and technology.

1785m is a testament to the power of design to reshape and revitalize communities. By reimagining the concept of tourism and embracing sustainability, this cross-border space of innovation and competition is paving the way for a new era of tourism that is both economically viable and environmentally responsible.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Ruben Tapias
Image Credits: Image #1: Illustrator Rubén Tapias, 1785M, 2014. Image #2: Illustrator Rubén Tapias, 1785M, 2014. Image #3: Photographer Rubén Tapias, 1785M, 2014. Image #4: Photographer/Illustrator Rubén Tapias, 1785M, 2014. Image #5: Photographer/Illustrator Rubén Tapias, 1785M, 2014.
Project Team Members: Rubén Tapias Cañas
Project Name: 1785m
Project Client: Ruben Tapias


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