Will Madrid's Puerta del Sol get awnings?

It’s a question of viability and visibility

Last year, there was a talk of installing fabric awnings at the Puerta del Sol – the square the forms the radiating heart of the Spanish capital and is a popular hangout spot for tourists and residents. This summer, however, no awnings will appear at the famed location to protect visitors from the beating rays of the strong sun.

This was stated by the mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, who explained that the reason for the delay in the project was due to a need to further study its viability and safety.

This year I don’t think we will have time to put them up, but in any case, we also have to be sure what we put up there. Not only because of aesthetics…but most importantly, in terms of safety, so that we will not be caught in a gale, those awnings need to be in proper condition,” explained the mayor, quoted by Europa Press.

The question of aesthetics itself also depends on the Heritage Commission of the Spanish capital, which has to approve changes to the architectural appearance of protected sites.

The city council must also inform the Heritage Commission about the fabrics it plans to use for the production of the awnings as well as the way it plans to attach the awnings to the architectural elements.

Thus, the impetus for the awnings on Puerta del Sol is still there but it remains unclear when this will become a reality. What’s sure is that when they become a reality the square will get much-needed shade during the scorching summers.

Fabric coverings are already used in Andalucia

to protect pedestrians on certain busy streets from the intense Spanish heat. 

Since the Iberian country is one of the worst affected by climate changes in Europe, its municipal authorities have had to get creative about finding ways to deal with rising temperatures, including things like naming extreme heatwaves, similar to the way this is done with hurricanes, or providing shade maps and climate shelters in the summer.