TAGUS LINEAR PARK

The goal was to rethink urban public space located in a complex, unexpected, and improbable universe of urban, industrial, agricultural and natural landscape. Aiming to keep the ‘essence of the space’ Topiaris designed a unique greenway, grounded in the landscape’s natural and cultural features, with a multitude of recreational and leisure options, safeguarding the existing natural systems and promoting the ecological regeneration of damaged areas.

The Park combines two different typologies of spaces: A single multifunctional area named ‘Praia dos Pescadores’, set by the riverside within a former sand deposit, and 6 km of pedestrian trails associated with dirt roads, waterlines banks (streams and drainage ditches) which converge to Praia dos Pescadores, coming both from urban and natural areas. The connection between the ‘beach’ and the natural areas is made through a 700m long raised wooden path through which a Bird Observatory built from old pallets can be reached.

The ‘Praia dos Pescadores’ comprises a set of diverse and complementary equipment intended for environmental education, leisure and informal sports: fishing platforms and shelters, picnic areas, a volleyball court, a playground made of recycled tires, as well as sunbathing platforms meet in the 3ha riverfront, creating an unique playscape. The name was inspired by the local fishermen, who were sceptical at the beginning, but soon realized that the renovated space kept the ‘sense of place’ that has drawn them to it in the past. Their constant presence has proven to be a sustainable and efficient public space maintenance strategy. .

The Centre for Environmental and Landscape Interpretation, planned for temporary exhibitions and events, is built in a modular system using recycled maritime containers. The structure is slightly raised from the ground, generating a spatial pattern that takes advantage of the views towards the nearby  ecosystems. The concrete slab paths network is the main spatial structure, connecting all components. Vegetation is composed mainly of native species and was planted in clusters featuring a specific formal pattern, contrasting with the extensive sand area. The densely planted groups are protected by a mesh of individual wooden poles to help capture and secure sand, and also to protect plants from being trampled in their early stages of development. Lighting is 100% solar.

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