ACCESS LISBON WATERFRONT

“This master thesis tries to contribute a solution to the waterfront issue. It tries to give not only an idea about a possible crossing of the traffic situation at a very innercity and exposed situation in Lisbon, it also offers suggestions how to increase people´s acceptance of the new area. With its underpass it demonstrates a possible way to reunite both parts of the city in a very unimposing way. In addition to that the underpass is able to turn a normal seeming passage to a comfortable and exciting place. Themed by the characteristics of Lisbon´s architecture in very hillish and unusual areas I analyzed the potential of solving present urban problems. Like in the city where unusual problems (topography) forced to develope unusual solutions (Hybrid Space) the traffic situation with its bad reputation also offers interesting possibilities. This circumstance is taken into consideration and has a major influence on the whole design of “Access Lisbon Waterfront“.

Furthermore the design project attempts to close the gap in people´s mind considering a separation of the waterfront and the city. With the help of different methods “AccessLisbon Waterfront“ offers simple but very convincing devices to improve a relationship between city and waterfront. The connection offered by the underpass leads direct to the Tagus River without making a detour. The aspect of a direct connection is important here. In addition to that the meaning of publicity plays a very important role for a waterfront development. Here the main usages of “Access Lisbon Waterfront“, the art & cultural centre and the congress centre, provide space for a large number of people - a requirement to give the new area to Lisbon´s citizens. The large scale of the building and its functions („Think Big“) is able to cause a gathering situation in front of the promenade.

“Access Lisbon Waterfront“ has the potential to work as a strong focal point for urban life and vitality for Lisbon and Portugal. It may has a stimulating effect for further waterfront developments nearby. Furthermore the idea of Urban Frame as well as the very social and public aspect of a Miradouro usage complete possible ways to transport Lisbon´s identity to the waterfront and makes acceptance easier. All in all the potential of “Access Lisbon Waterfront“ looks powerful enough to enable and reactivate a part of Lisbon´s clipped-off waterside. From this point of view the design project possibly promotes all analyzed urban requirements for a well-working and attractive waterfront cultivation.”