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Castilblanco Elysium Corporation Receives Government Approval for Elysium City Project
After a rigorous administrative procedural process, the Elysium City project received final authorization from the Government Council to move forward with its operation and development. Given its complex environmental and economic scope, this achievement is a unique and historic milestone for both Spain and Europe.
Elysium City was created by Castilblanco Elysium Corporation in alliance with Gensler as the master plan designer. The vision for Elysium City seeks to shift paradigms by rediscovering the value of human and nature connection with a diverse and balanced mix of uses that include hospitality, workspaces, retail centers, leisure and entertainment facilities, natural areas, and other services.
Extremadura, Spain, a land rich in natural resources with contrasting conditions of its terrain with water and light, is the ideal place to develop this great city model, balanced with leisure offerings for 21st century Europe. Elysium City’s purpose is to be rooted in its environment and look into the future in a unique way. Beyond being a new city, it is conceived as a haven for all lovers of authenticity, networks, and unique experiences.
With an omnipresent reservoir looming on the horizon that serves as an impressive backdrop to urban life, this new community is a metaphor for a hopeful future, internally and externally. In the words of Francisco Nuchera, the project’s main promoter, “the sense of the future belongs to the present; in Elysium, dreams will forge destiny,” a reflection that frames the project’s vision.
Its vision is based on three pillars informed by a context analysis, existing conditions and programmatic needs, and viewed through the lens of implementation of the principles of biophilic cities:
Ecosystem: promoting sustainable development, conservation strategies, regenerative design, and circular economy cycles.
Mobility: prioritizing electric, active mobility, and landscape vegetation cover over on road infrastructure and reducing excessive use of private vehicles.
Districts: create different districts that are easily recognizable by their character and authenticity, united by common elements such as integration with landscape, respect for local habitats, and connectivity with the rest of the city and region.
This new community seeks to draw heavily on available renewable resources. The project uses solar panels for energy production and supply while wastewater treatment is used to irrigate green areas and produce part of the community’s food supply through hydroponic farms. This strategy reduces the number of resources consumed, reuses resources that are part of other processes, and recycles those that can be used as supplies for other activities, thus creating a constant circular cycle that benefits both the community and the environment.
“Elysium’s Master Plan is an opportunity to rethink how we plan and design our habitat, reinforcing the relationship between the built environment and operating ecosystems as interconnected organisms. It reaffirms and refines our appreciation for nature, community and living in balance with the ecosystems of which we are a part of,” said Carlos Cubillos, Gensler’s Global Cities and Urban Design Leader.
This project aims to generate endless possibilities for employment, growth, and opportunities for the region. Through its millionaire investment, up to 56,000 direct jobs will be generated during the construction phase and indirect jobs will follow with its operation. This is undoubtedly news that will transform Castilblanco and all of Extremadura.
As a next step, Castilblanco Elysium Corporation and Gensler will initiate a three-month decision-making period with interested operators to define the best path that will lead Elysium City to become a reality and a true example of sustainable growth for the community.
Source: Gensler
