Underneath Cordoba's summer cinemas, the importance of open spaces and greenery is highlighted in a recently publicized ban on parking.
In a recent report, architect Carmen Chácon, head of the Historic District Office in Córdoba, has ruled out a proposal to construct underground parking lots at the Fuenseca, Delicias, and Olimpia summer cinemas. The proposal, which aimed to make the cinemas more profitable, contravenes the regulations of the Special Protection Plan for the Historic Ensemble, resulting in "unfavorable urbanistic information."
The historic area of Córdoba is considered the "lungs of the city," with its patios, gardens, and free areas improving habitability and helping the bioclimatic balance. The spaces where the summer cinemas are located, often referred to as "lungs" themselves, are crucial for this balance. Opening holes for access to the proposed garage, such as the facade of the Fuenseca cinema on Santa Marta Street, is not permitted in certain protected areas.
The project also poses a threat to the interior free space with soft treatment and existing vegetation, which is considered an element of interest for the cinemas. The planimetry provided for each of the cinemas is very scarce, and there is no planimetry of the current state of the cinemas, further complicating the proposal.
The rules restricting underground parking in Córdoba's historical district, which include limited car access and many pedestrian-only streets, constrain the availability and convenience of parking facilities in the area. This limitation can negatively impact the feasibility of maintaining summer cinemas there, as audiences generally need accessible parking options to attend evening outdoor events, particularly those held in the summer when outdoor cinemas are popular.
The three summer cinemas are especially protected and are listed in the chapter that establishes the Ordinance of Cataloged Monuments, Buildings, and Ensembles. The Historic District Office of Córdoba, under the Municipal Urban Planning Management of the City Council of Córdoba, has made it clear that the project will not be possible in the Historic District of Córdoba.
The report analyzes the proposal for the three summer cinemas that belonged to the entrepreneur Martín Cañuelo and are now run by his heirs. Despite the setback, the future of these beloved summer cinemas remains bright, as organisers continue to find ways to accommodate audiences and make these cultural events accessible for all.
- Transforming the Fuenseca, Delicias, and Olimpia summer cinemas into sustainable-living spaces through the introduction of a home-and-garden concept, focusing on the preservation of their patios, gardens, and vegetation, could be a viable alternative to the rejected parking lot plan.
- In addition to promoting a fashion-conscious lifestyle by organizing cultural events, the preservation of the historic beauty and bioclimatic balance of the summer cinemas in Córdoba can also play a significant role in maintaining the city's unique lifestyle.
