La Laguna Unveils "Zero Point" Plaque, Highlighting Global Urban Design Influence

La Laguna officially unveiled its "Zero Point" plaque yesterday. This event also included a video explaining the new initiative, which highlights the compass rose design that shaped the historic city's original layout. This Renaissance design is still largely intact today and is a key reason for the city's outstanding global importance.

These two actions are part of the main celebrations for the 25th anniversary of La Laguna being named a World Heritage City. They strengthen the city's identity as the starting point for Tenerife's historical routes and as an urban design model that was adopted in Latin America. This helps share its cultural heritage beyond its borders and confirms its global significance.

Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez explained that "this Zero Point is more than just a bronze plaque. It's a symbol reminding us that La Laguna was where the island's paths began. Its unique, unwalled city plan was ahead of its time and became a model for cities in the Americas. We are reaffirming that our city was founded with a global vision and continues to share its identity far beyond the Canary Islands."

Adolfo Cordobés, the Councillor for Cultural Heritage, added, "We want every resident and visitor in La Laguna to be able to physically find the city's geometric center and understand why it's a World Heritage site. It's a simple yet meaningful act that links academic ideas with real-world experience."

Cristóbal de la Rosa, Director General of Cultural Innovation for the Canary Islands Government, commented, "Culture and identity come from events that become symbols. La Laguna, especially over the past 25 years, has become the main symbol for all the Canary Islands. Its open nature, inspired by the Renaissance and its design as a city without walls, makes it a symbol of living together and welcoming others."

Isabel de Esteban, the island director of Historical Heritage for the Cabildo, also mentioned that "the island Corporation has invested half a million euros to support and make possible the events celebrating La Laguna's 25th anniversary as a World Heritage City."

The Zero Point plaque, made of bronze by Fundiciones Bronzo and half a meter wide, brings to life the compass rose that influenced the city's original design in the late 1400s. Its placement turns this idea into a real, accessible landmark. It lets locals and tourists stand on La Laguna's exact geometric center, much like Madrid's Kilómetro Cero. This straightforward and photogenic spot is expected to become a significant urban and heritage symbol.

After the plaque was unveiled at the corner of San Agustín and Núñez de la Peña streets, a promotional video reinforcing this idea was shown. Produced by Adrián González with help from the international creative studio Lowked Studio (known for animation, post-production, and digital experiences), the short video visually explains the compass rose theory and the city's historical importance.

The video tells a story of two generations who unexpectedly uncover the history beneath their feet. The compass rose rises from the ground, reaches for the sky, and sends out light beams that connect continents, representing La Laguna's role as an Atlantic bridge between Europe and Latin America.

The plaque and the video are directly connected. Both are designed to evoke emotion, making the concept visible and encouraging people to learn more about the city's outstanding global value. The plaque marks La Laguna's geometric center in a physical location, while the video expands this idea into the public's imagination, spreading its message through emotion and visual appeal. Together, these two actions strengthen the city's heritage story.