The Municipality of Almada has commissioned the practice to devise a masterplan for a 115-hectare site encompassing extensive former dockyards and a part of Almada’s conurbation along a two-kilometre stretch of river frontage. The location is an outstanding topographic feature of the Tagus Estuary, important both in terms of geography, history, economy and environment and the scheme aims to create a new urban centre that helps establish the Tagus Estuary as the focus of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area.
Originally a fishing village, Almada is now a major residential centre; its shipyard community was active from the 1960s until its decommission in the ‘90s. The historic centre of Lisbon lies to the north of the site across the estuary, while to the south is an extensive nature reserve.
Sustainable development underpins RRP’s approach for the area’s regeneration, combining environmental, social and economic objectives. The team envisages an employment-led mix of uses, leisure and cultural activities while retaining a large allocation of residential use. Densities ranging from 800,000 m² up to 1.5 million m² are planned, depending on the implementation of the proposed Metro link to Lisbon. The masterplan’s initial phase focuses on a transport strategy for the Almada area to reduce dependence on the car. This includes extending the proposed MST (tram), a Metro link from Lisbon, the expansion of an existing ferry terminal, and the creation of a river taxi service - strengthening existing connections with Lisbon and with the eastern Seixal area. The scheme also allows for new vehicular access to unlock the site's potential while using centralised parking and creating pedestrian priority streets.
Almada Riverside aims to set new environmental standards for the development. The possibilities to deliver zero carbon development will be explored through an integrated strategy for energy efficiency, on-site energy production, renewable energy harvesting and carbon sequestration. RRP’s environmental strategy for the area includes maximising use of solar energy such as photovoltaics and solar panels; the use of the docks as heat sinks for heating and cooling purposes and the incorporation of CHP plant to optimise energy consumption. It is envisaged that programmes for recycling waste will be implemented; in addition, rainwater will be collected for irrigation and grey water usage.
The masterplan layout is based on a linear arrangement of neighbourhoods running parallel to the existing docks and the new water channels; high-density developments around MST/transport nodes; mixed-use development focused around existing docks; public piazzas sited at strategic locations along the riverfront promenade and new east-west connections with Almada town centre.
The new masterplan aims to maximise use of existing docks for amenities and parking, establish an interlocking network of docks and new water channels, as well as creating compact waterside living and a new riverfront promenade along existing dock edges. To capitalise on the original maritime history of the site, the team proposes a maritime museum, marinas, as well as a cruise liner terminal and provision for small-scale ship repair industries. In addition there is scope for an academic and research community including a science centre, university departments, R&D facilities, along with media centres comprising studio facilities for young professionals and small businesses. The scheme also provides for a new energy centre, an eco park and on-site water treatment plant and aims to be a showcase for best practice in sustainability.
(RRP / Santa-Rita Arquitectos LDA) Laurie Abbott, Natxo Alonso, Ben Darras, Lennart Grut, Dennis Ho, Marcus Lee, Shu Zhen Lee, Marita Schnepper, Nick Zervoglos
