Lisbon is characterised by the river Tagus, its extraordinary topography, and

underground water flows. Currently, Lisbon’s relationship with the river is interrupted by the Cascais railway line and port infrastructure, that create a barrier between the city and the water.

The project re-establishes the city’s relationship with the water and opens the harbour to the public, while using its water resources. The proposal reconstructs Lisbon’s urban landscape and reconnects the city with the Tagus River, with a 14 km long urban park along the coastline, incorporating a water treatment center and public baths. Located at the bottom of a valley, where the groundwater meets the river, the architectural design explores the local water phenomena by conceiving it as a natural machine of flows. Following a “collect-treat enjoy” approach, the wastewater from the valley is treated and used to feed the irrigation system of the park and the baths. This process involves two phases: firstly, treatment through mechanical processes and secondly, natural treatment through constructed wetlands, which are also part of the park.

The proposal is an exploration of how such a water infrastructure can be integrated into the urban fabric of Lisbon, while creating a new public green space reclaiming access to the harbour and the river Tagus. Thus, Hydroscape (hydro + landscape) Lisbon is born.

How can water, the most prominent landscape boundary, act as a future tool for tackling climate change, as a connective medium but also as a source of joy for Lisbon? The aim is to change and redefine the local urban relationship with water on a spatial and human scale.

The project was my final thesis project started at my Erasmus exchange at the academy of Architecture in Mendrisio, Switzerland and finalised at the Mackintosh School of Architecture Glasgow, Scotland.

Awards

New European Bauhaus Prize – Reconnecting with Nature

High Commendation – A&DS RIAS Scottish Students Awards, Architecture & Design Scotland