Through the generous support and guidance of the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, and the International Network of Traditional Builders, Architects, and Urban Planners (INTBAU), the annual open competition to promote traditional urbanism and crafts of Spain is held on a yearly basis. The 2018 Richard H. Driehaus Architecture Competition awarded Fairfax & Sammons Architects a special distinction for our design of a new urban square in Jaca, Spain. Secondly, our sister company, Fairfax, Sammons & Partners in Florida teamed up with Jorge Sanchez and Brian Vertesch of SMI Landscape Architecture, Inc. for an honorable mention award for the redesign of a series of streets in Borox, Spain. Richard Sammons attended the special awards ceremony at the Arquería of Nuevos Ministerios, Madrid to accept the awards on behalf of Fairfax, Sammons & Partners, Fairfax & Sammons Architects, Inc., and SMI Landscape Architecture, Inc.
All three proposed buildings align with the newly designed facades for the existing buildings that now face Plaza de Santiago to form a cohesive space. All new construction is unified with arched loggias that wrap three sides of the square, similar to those at Plaza de la Catedral. This proposal includes a two-level subterranean parking garage with space for 58 cars 10 motorbikes, and 28 bicycles. Additionally, a subterranean cistern collects rainwater from the Plaza above and recycles it for irrigation, and an underground trash and recycling collection system allows for a clean Plaza and easy maintenance. The proposed design for Plaza de Santiago creates a dynamic new community space in the heart of Jaca, Spain.