Loures Riverfront
The initial premise of Loures Riverfront was to complete the intermunicipal pedestrian and cycling continuity, connecting Lisbon to Vila Franca de Xira, and to consolidate an important strategic plan that aims to implement a continuous route along the Tagus Riverfront in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area.
It was also intended to encourage the connection from Loures' urban areas, isolated by roads and railway infrastructures. As a result, this pedestrian and cycling route constitutes an important mobility infrastructure with a significant impact on the current daily commuter matrix, contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions and positively affecting the lives of the communities.
An analysis of the project area revealed a surprising landscape: a mosaic of natural ecosystems in the vicinity of a highly urbanized zone. Just minutes away from densely populated neighbourhoods, one can find mudflats, salt marshes, and native reed beds, all supporting a diverse array of flora and fauna habitats.
The project sought to weave together the initial focus on mobility with the opportunity to create a unique walkway. This path would not only serve as a circulation and recreational route, but also as a platform for research, nature interpretation, and public education, raising public awareness for the importance of estuarine ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, and ocean management.
Instead of providing a quick journey from point A to point B, the project was designed to encourage a slower experience of the environment. It invites visitors to observe the birds, rest while overlooking the river, and immerse themselves in the sounds of the marsh. The Loures Riverside trail stretches for 6.2 km along the right bank of the Tagus River. Taking inspiration from the meandering drainage lines, the trail avoids straight lines in favour of a gentle, curving path that allows observation of the habitats from different perspectives.
CREDITS
Landscape architecture team: Catarina Viana, Teresa Barão, Luis Ribeiro, Ana Lemos, Elsa Calhau, Rita Salgado, André Godinho, Henrique Mateus, Nuno Lecoq (landscape ecology consultant)
Photography: João Guimarães, Artur Carvalho
Structural Engineer – FTD / JETSJ: Pedro Delgado, Alexandre Pinto, Nuno Silva
Signage – DESENHARIA: Pedro Silva e Sousa
Environmental Impact: Bioinsight
Building Company: ABB Group, CARMO, and GEOCONTROLE
