Last Night on the Steps of Sant Domenec

Before we scattered at the end of our Spanish journey back to Portland or other destinations in Europe, we shared stories on the last evening with a farewell dinner at a raucous Basque café. We then gathered on the nearby Pujada steps. As a fleeting group gesture, we created a temporary art installation by blowing up and sending 300 balloons down the staircase. Locals enjoyed our antics as we briefly changed the nature of the space both for us and them. As we made our goodbyes, and reflected on great sights, great food and great company, vows were exchanged to continue our design journeys.

The Lure of the Xuixo Endures

Most of our group fell under the siren spell of Girona’s luscious Xuixo  Legend has it that this pastry evolved out of the civil coexistence of Girona’s multiple religions and cultures. As our retelling of the story, the French said, "we must use croissant dough," the Muslims said, "let’s deep fry it," the Catalans said, "but first fill it with cream custard," and the Jews then declared, "afterwards, why not roll it in coarse sugar." The rest is culinary history and the city lived happily ever after - especially our students.

Stones of Girona

A Different Kind of Public Plaza

Continuing the study of public spaces, our group spent time investigating a unique elevated plaza, the Pujada de Sant Domenec. Geometrically complex and difficult to describe, the space has evolved over centuries and combines street and passive plaza activities with dynamic spatial characteristics unlike anything most students had ever seen. Buildings enfronting the space include a medieval palace multi-family houses, cafes, workshops, stores and a monastery, while use of the space changes dramatically over the course of each day, coming to its highest level at night. Sketching, measuring steps and levels, and people-watching in this complex space over several days provide valuable lessons for the students when they confront future design projects.

Not Columns Nor Posts, But Bollards

Amongst the urbanistic design devices the students found interesting, and perhaps transferable to US cities are bollards, pedestrian devices capable of allowing people and vehicles to share pathways, and capable of being personalized to the situation.

La Catedral de Girona

There has been a place of worship on the hillside overlooking the old city but the present Cathedral of Girona was begun in the 11th century. It contains both a nave, the widest in the world at 22 meters, and a peaceful cloister.

Kissing the Lioness as a Sign of Respect

According to legend, kissing the butt of the lioness, situated on a column in the north end of the old city, is a sign of respect for the city of Girona….or according to other urban legends, if you want to become a citizen of Girona, or if you want to return to Girona.....so, with respect, we kissed…at least some of us did.