Our city was born as a result of port expansion, becoming a naval refuge for island trade. We can say that Arrecife has very little architectural heritage left and that policies such as the generalized demolitions in the remaining classic port architecture are a systemic aberration.
The port style is characterized by a series of differentiated elements within the specificities of the "Canarian style." We find doors and windows with arches in the upper area of these, among other characteristic elements, or the profusion of low, one-story houses and, in specific areas, two-story houses. This type of housing generates the typically Arrecife urban landscape, such as the environment surrounding the "La Harinera" factory. Currently, several examples of these groups of houses can be seen in El Lomo, among other areas of the city. This neighborhood was and is a true identity center of the old city (popular and maritime). Every city must have areas where architectural design strategies are adapted to promote sustainable social life and respect its own idiosyncrasy. In this area, among others in the center and throughout the urban core, it is necessary to apply a conservationist proposal, which is not untouchable in terms of buildings. The objective to be achieved must be the preservation of trades, businesses, and a unique but functional aesthetic so that this type of central neighborhood becomes vital hearts and thus paralyze their marginalization and gentrification. We must plan structural conservation.
If we carefully observe the orthophotographs taken between 1951 and 1957, we can see how the cohesive city is structured around the Charco de San Ginés and the port area. This area still retains much of the aesthetic that shapes the port identity. Shouldn't we create our own style and construction plan for this area?
In recent weeks, a series of controversies have arisen due to the urgency with which the Arrecife City Council wants to end the scarce special and unique heritage that we have left. It often seems as if they want to deprive the people of Lanzarote from enjoying a living and unique city. If we move to Santa Cruz de La Palma, we will see clearly and evidently how they have been able to conserve and keep alive not only its structure with a marked identity of its own, but also those buildings that, due to their particularities and monumentality, become unique. Why do they want to deprive citizens from enjoying a dynamic, advanced city that respects its own culture?
I understand that there are many challenges, perhaps the most pressing is the high number of abandoned properties or those with private conflicts between the owners. It may seem like an impossible problem to solve, but there are administrative and legal mechanisms to tackle this scourge once and for all, which incessantly degenerates the city.
Another problem is the lack of conditioning and improvement of the accessibility of the streets, squares, and infrastructures of the neighborhoods, which after years of neglect have fallen into an extremely worrying state of ruin. If we add to this a scarce public tree population and an absolute disregard for the city's gardens, we find a desolate panorama.
And what about the painting of the facades and sides of the houses? Anyone who walks through the urban fabric will see that the city gives the sensation of being unfinished, visually dirty, and abandoned.
In short, Arrecife's problems are structural and define our way of relating to it. I know it's hard to admit that we have failed as a society, that our policy has not been up to the task, but the sooner we admit it, the better. We have failed, erred, made mistakes, and on many occasions the city is managed from purely personal or selfish perspectives, benefiting the interests of a few. We are laying the foundations to take care of our unique and monumental heritage, which is in a critical state, but we cannot forget to take care of and ensure the popular, identity-based, and significant heritage of the city of Arrecife. I truly believe that we can save it and turn it into one of the best Canary Islands towns to live in.
J. David Machado Gutiérrez