Issue 73 of the journal Canelobre, published by the Alicante Cultural Institute Juan Gil-Albert, has emerged for analysis. This edition gathers a broad spectrum of research and dissemination work conducted in recent years by coordinators David Beltrá and Verónica Quiles, whose efforts have highlighted the province of Alicante’s productive sectors and industries with global reach. The publication serves as a window into the region’s economic and cultural dynamics, inviting readers to reflect on how Alicante’s industries broaden their international connections and influence.
However, the magazine, directed by Beltrá and Quiles, omits some pivotal figures who shaped the province’s trajectory, while reiterating several architectural themes that illuminate how the area transformed into a prominent tourism hub. The text invites a broader look at the mid‑century era, suggesting that a fuller account would acknowledge the visionaries who anticipated future needs and helped shape the cities that exist today.
In that vein, the figure of architect Juan Guardiola Gayá stands out for his work in 1959 on the initial plan for Playa de San Juan, a project centered on tourism‑oriented housing that would become one of the most significant developments of its kind in Alicante. The plan drew on rationalist principles and presented a large urban scheme laid out on a trapezoidal site along the shoreline, characterized by a grid-like order and regular blocks measuring approximately 180 by 260 meters. The project reflects the era’s rapid building pace, including the growth of second homes, hotels, and leisure services such as restaurants and entertainment venues. Guardiola also contributed notable projects like Torre Vistamar (1963) and La Rotonda urbanization (1965), which remain striking examples of modern architecture from that period.
Juan Antonio García Solera was another key figure, developing the Vistahermosa residential complex in 1962 near the Alicante orchard. The scope of his design work spanned from planning an entire neighborhood to refining the smallest details, demonstrating a commitment to spatial quality and functional planning that left a lasting imprint on the city’s built environment.
Beyond architecture, the narrative recognizes influential leaders such as Pedro Zaragoza Orts, a prominent Benidorm figure and former mayor. Zaragoza Orts devoted his energy to promoting the city and popularizing its sunlit appeal across Spain and northern European markets. His ambitious diplomacy included showcasing Benidorm through No-Do broadcasts and cultivating international attention, which translated into tourism growth and economic opportunities for the region. The city’s rapid rise in popularity is linked to the broader postwar development patterns and cooperative efforts with financial institutions, which helped catalyze sustained visitation and investment. The outcome was a rising profile for the Costa Blanca, with numerous holiday breaks influenced by Zaragoza Orts’s outreach.
Undoubtedly, Alicante has been the cradle of many influential names whose efforts have earned broad recognition and helped nurture the entrepreneurial spirit that drives urban and architectural renewal. The region’s modern transformation reflects a dynamic interplay between design, policy, and public enthusiasm, shaping the landscape and weather of its cities in ways that continue to resonate today.