Lisbon – Creative urban projects

12 MAR 2023

Lisbon responded to its challenges by implementing creative urban projects that revitalised neighbourhoods and promoted public engagement. Car-free zones and celebrating diverse communities contribute to Lisbon’s dynamic and diverse character. Discover more in this photo essay.

One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal and predates other contemporary European capitals by centuries. Lisbon experienced recent turbulent times of transition, including the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755¹ and the aftermath of the 1974 Carnation Revolution², which introduced 500,000 new residents to the city as well as social tensions and infrastructure issues.

In the ensuing decades, Lisbon has responded by implementing creative urban projects to get more done with less, encouraging a fresh influx of energy and rediscovery. By implementing strategic projects, it is readying itself to meet present and future challenges.

Praca do Comercio © TTstudio/Shutterstock

A yellow tram passing in front of Santa Maria cathedral in Lisbon © Kraft_Stoff/Shutterstock

Lisbon riverfront, redefined

The Lisbon riverfront holds significant importance as it not only serves as a natural boundary for the city but also boasts key developments and car-free areas that have transformed the area into a vibrant and popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

In 2008, the federal government and the Port of Lisbon launched the ‘General Intervention Plan for the Lisbon Riverside Region’ which involved strategic projects to redefine the 19-kilometre riverside area along the Targus River, including the establishment of car-free areas to prioritise pedestrians.

Before and after: Praça do Comercio or Commerce Square used to be parking lots for cars but is now a fully pedestrianised plaza © Lisboa City Council (top); laranik/Shutterstock (bottom)

The 1998 Lisbon World Exposition transformed the Parque da Nações neighbourhood, and is first in a series of rejuvenation on the Lisbon riverfront © ELEPHOTOS/Shuttershock

Contemporary science museum (originally part of 1998 Lisbon World Exposition) by Carrilho da Graça © Damien Woon

Campo das Cebolas – a landscaped square on the riverfront © Damien Woon

Activities on the Lisbon riverfront © Damien Woon

Lisbon Cruise Terminal (Novo Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa) designed by Carrilho da Graça Arquitectos © Damien Woon

Fundação Champalimaud designed by Charles Correa Associates © Damien Woon

Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) designed by Amanda Levete © Damien Woon

Neighbourhood public spaces, redeveloped

Lisbon is actively revitalising its neighbourhoods through the ‘A Square in Each Neighbourhood’ programme, which aims to develop 30 public squares throughout the city. The programme has garnered greater public participation and ownership of neighborhood public spaces over the first five years since its launch.

As a result, the number of cyclists and pedestrians in the Central Axis area increased significantly, indicating the success of Lisbon’s approach in selecting the most effective urban interventions for bringing about a positive change.

Before and after: under the viaduct © BB Arquitectos (top); FG + SG fotografia de arquitectura (bottom)

Before and after: Avenida Manuel Ricardo Espírito Santo © José Adrião Arquitectos (top); FG + SG fotografia de arquitectura (bottom)

A historic quarter, transformed

Lisbon transformed the historically stigmatised Mouraria quarter into a vibrant and diverse district by celebrating and enhancing the multi-ethnic character of the area’s migrant communities. This involved restoring historic buildings, cobblestone pavements, and installing artworks to commemorate the birth of Fado in the neighbourhood. The TODOS Caminhada de Culturas Festival was established in 2009 to celebrate the cultural richness of Mouraria.

The Great Lisbon earthquake took place on November 1st, 1755, during the Feast of All Saints in Portugal. The earthquake, along with fires and a tsunami, caused significant damage to Lisbon and its surrounding areas, almost completely destroying them. (Source: Wikipedia.com) ↩
The Carnation Revolution, also known as the 25 April, was a military coup that took place in Lisbon on April 25th, 1974. The coup overthrew the authoritarian Estado Novo regime and led to the establishment of the Third Portuguese Republic, which ended the paternal autocratic rule of António de Oliverira Salazar and Marcello Caetano. (Source: Wikipedia.com) ↩