Porto b1 cc,ws,as

Carl Challinor William Salgado Andrew Smith

DELAYED GRATIFICATION

MARCH7006 – Urban Design Report THE CITY NEIGHBOURHOOD Porto/Liverpool

Introduction: Module 7006 - Urban Design looks at a range of urban possibilities for specific neighbourhoods (3 in Porto and 1 in Liverpool). The Urban Design projects will be based in these locations, each of which provides its own set of problems and potentials.

Both cities have exhibited similar levels of economic decline, stagnation and recent recovery, both cities have become secondary to the focus of the national economy, both cities have sought to

re-establish themselves as leisure and heritage destinations, capitalising upon the cultural economy. Onto this urban fabric and against this economic background we were tasked with developing a strategy for completing/repairing the neighbourhood. There were multiple methods of tackling the problems; comprehensive redevelopment; cultural regeneration; or community activism.

Contents Chapter I

Chosen Site..................................................................4 Key Features................................................................5-6 Site Potential...............................................................7

Chapter II

Research......................................................................10-20

Chapter III Site Photographs.........................................................23-36

Chapter IV

First Review..................................................................38-40

Chapter V

Interim Review.............................................................42-44

Chapter VI

Final Review.................................................................46-50

Chapter VII

Post Review..................................................................52-53

Appendix

Cost Plan......................................................................56 Author’s Notes.............................................................57

I

Chapter I Chosen Site Site B – Porto

Between the cathedral and the Bento train station, this was originally the approach to the main road and tram bridge, Ponte Luis I (Eiffel).

The area has been partly cleared of high density mixed use buildings but recent traffic calming has left a large gap site between some of the cities principal landmarks. A small 1970’s brutalist market building edges the western side with the cliff edge

Fig 1. Site B Coverage

to the east. This area is a conspicuous gap within the urban core, surrounded by many of the principal public buildings and has been identified as requiring development in the UNESCO World Heritage site management plan. This area is surrounded by many of the cities principal cultural buildings.

4

Key Features Site B has a multitude of key features present; buildings of importance, numerous pedestrian movement routes and transport links, inter-city green spaces, and proximity to the city centre.

There are many more, and it was partly the reason for our group choosing this site; with so much simply being unutilized in the area, there was great potential to capitalize upon this and create new connections and links that will drive a change in the city in preparation for a boost in tourism.

Buildings This site houses some fantastic structures that draw visitors and create a great sense of place within the area, emanating a presence well rooted within Porto’s heritage. The Sao Bento train station lies to the North and provides the site with a major transport link connecting the site directly to other parts of the city. It is also the arrival point of many tourists visiting the area. The station itself has much to offer visitors with a fantastic array of ceramic tiled walls in an already impressive structure. The ceramic tiles are well renowned as some of the best in Porto and the tiles themselves are an important part of Porto’s lineage.

Another building of great importance within the site is the Porto Cathedral [Sé do Porto]. The cathedral’s history can be traced as far back as the 5th Century, though not as it currently stands today. The cathedral was an important icon during the religious uprisings in the city and the way in which it has been viewed has changed as many times as the structure itself; as a beacon of hope, or a symbol of oppression, it boasts a rich history. The cathedral, much like Sao Bento, is also adorned, in parts, with brilliant ceramic tile mosaics and is a hot spot for tourists.

Fig 2. The River Douro

Fig 3. Sao Bento Station

Fig 4. The Cathedral

There are also many convents and chapels around the site, one of particular beauty near the surviving section of medieval wall to the South of the site.

This wall, though quite tricky to travel to, is edged by a nice garden space and offers unparalleled views out across the Douro. On the opposite side to the wall than the garden, lies Porto’s funicular service that allows people quick ascent or descent from or to the river. It’s a useful and enjoyable service that connects two previously very isolated spaces; an idea of relevant interest to our group.

Fig 5. View towards the convent

Fig 6. The convent

5

Routes Site B has a selection of many winding and disjointed routes, some of which provide excellent views, or a pleasant journey to the waterfront.

The key problem with many of these routes, as previously mentioned, is that they are quite poorly connected to one another through the site, making it difficult to navigate and segregating areas of the site.

There are three key identified routes; firstly, there is the main ‘spine’ that runs from the city centre through the site, down to and across the river; then there is the route that serves the cultural quarter of the cathedral, palace, museum, and gardens; and lastly, there is a currently unused route that makes use of an abandoned walkway up the cliff face to the East of the site.

There is an existing route, to the West, that is currently being developed and refurbished by the Porto Vivo regeneration scheme. However, the route is longer than the more direct and more popular main route from North to South through the centre.

The Porto Viva plan has been implemented and areas held back due to their own historical certification are now under development. Gentrification of Porto’s city centre is a promising sight; the outlook for the increase in tourism will greatly enhance the city’s future. Although the restoration and newly paved roads have been positive, the routes and movement through the city that surrounds us, the meandering individual through its impressive townscape have somehow been lost. A poetic nature is lacking in the regeneration plans and, with a city steeped and scarred in so much history, it is owed to Porto to gain an enhanced experience of truly beautiful city?

Fig 7. View of the cathedral from the station

Fig 8. The tram along the Dom Luis II Bridge

Fig 9. The Ribiera

Possibly, does the wonderer need to rediscover the routes of the medieval? Or purposely be drawn into its newly opened streetscapes? When we look at site B as an Artery, branching out to form veins and finally the capillaries, are these the parts of Porto that truthfully show its beauty to the wonderer? Should the Medieval core of Porto be kept to silently gesticulate?

Fig 10. The Muralha Fernandinha wall

6

Site Potential The potential for Site B is quite extensive and could be approached in a number of different ways. There is enough cultural context to propose an idea of expanding the cultural quarter with a focus on the cathedral area of the site; there are also enough open spaces to propose large scale interventions that would change the fabric of the site; and the site also boasts enough potential in its routes that, with some clever connections and more minimal interventions, could stitch the urban fabric and create a more tourist based scheme. The site offers some exceptional, uninterrupted vistas out over the river Douro that could become focal areas for tourists should interventions be made with which to enjoy the vistas better. In addition, with large abandoned areas, and disconnected intercity green spaces, there is clear room to create an increased, and better linked, green route experience through Site B.

Fig 11. View towards the Sao Bento Station

Fig 12. View of the old path that leads toward the cathedral

Reasons for Choosing Site B Site B lies within an area of Porto rich in its cultural heritage and was recognized by UNESCO in 1996 as a world heritage site. With many of Porto’s most important structures; Sao Bento train station; the cathedral; and the medieval wall to name but a few, this site deserves to be approached with sensitivity and respect in order to maximise on the sheer potential this site offers. However, with such a strong platform of context available, our group felt that we would most benefit from facing the challenges this site presents. Wanting to take a focus on smaller, and more subtle urban design, we aimed to generate the maximum impact for the site through minimal interventions, capitalizing on the potential the many routes provide. The brief we gave ourselves at the beginning of this task was to create something of an experience for those who would visit our scheme; to leave a lasting impression that was enhanced by our investments in the site.

on several occasions due to wealth, social diversity, transportation, migration and expansion in population density and urban fabric; Urban growth. Site B’s connection to the Douro River was Oporto’s small capillary, creating life and capital for the small fishing village and soon becoming an Artery to the world. And a thriving place of interest and tourism. The city’s planning methods, or lack of until the 1900’s created a bustling town that utilised its exigent topography and exploited a rich architectural style, boasting high volumes of scared and civil buildings.

Architecturally Diverse, the clarity of urban and built spaces predominantly differentiates and enhances one another. Whilst visiting the city it is poetic to experience how Oporto’s articulation is underpinned by its medieval framework, being able to see how Oporto began, expanded, and became how it is today.

Site B has experienced substantial adaptation, subject to controversial, social, religious, and industrial change. Stitched together within a medieval city that subsequently broke its walls 7

Fig 13. Site B as existing

8

II

Chapter II Research Portugal is affirming its position as a tourism destination of excellence.

-Bernardo Trindade [Secretary of State for Tourism]

Portugal is a country wishing to maximize the potential of its tourist base within the next few years, developing new attractions, festivals, and enhancing the cultural heritage of the country.

When our research into the city of Porto began, we quickly found a special focus on the tourist sector.

The National Strategic Plan for Tourism outlined the city’s plans to capitalize on the tourist boom.

The plan aims to foster a sustained growth in tourism that will help regenerate the city, create jobs, and has a great capacity for wealth generation.

Tourism is a priority strategic sector for Portugal.

-Manuel Pinho [Minister for Economy and Innovation]

Manuel Pinho outlines the importance of preparing for a boost in visitor numbers within the strategic plan. He calls for a need to improve transport routes through the city, developing a stronger image for the city to adopt that embraces its heritage, and the ability for non-residents to acquire properties; both business and residential.

Fig 14. Potential revenue for Portugal (Millions EUR;2004)

The delineated objectives represent a major challenge for tourism. The sector must achieve sustained growth, above the European average, especially in terms of revenues. In the international market, Portugal aims to achieve the following levels of annual growth: 5% in terms of the number of tourists, rising to 20 million tourists in 2015; and around 9% annual growth in revenues, rising to over €15 billion in 2015, thus doubling the current turnover level. Lisbon, Algarve and Porto will be the regions that make the greatest absolute contribution to this growth, while the Alentejo will record the highest relative contribution, with annual growth of around 11%.In this manner, tourism will provide a positive contribution to the country’s economic development, and in 2015 will represent over 15% of GDP and 15% of national employment.

-National Strategic Plan for Tourism

The plan proposes that there should be a focus on the key factors that separate the city from the rest of Portugal, and Portugal from the rest of the world; “climate and light”, “history, culture, and tradition”, “hospitality”, and “concentrated diversity” – as well as other elements that add value to Porto in the context of tourists’ opinion.

10

Fig 15. Strategic plan for the coming years

The plan shows how crucial tourism will become for the city in the coming years. As such, schemes proposed the site must take into account the rise in visitor traffic, the new international context that will be brought to the area, and also a responsibility to consider the current residents’ roles in the

scheme. The strategic plan highlights an important piece of statistic; not all tourists are international.

In Portugal, there is a growing trend of domestic tourism, especially to Porto. Any scheme proposed should have taken this into consideration.

Fig 16. Weight of international guests amongst all guests in Portugal (2002-2005; millions of guests)

Fig 17. Domestic market (Portugese citizens who go on holiday in Portugal

Fig 18. International tourists in Portugal (millions)

11

Although Portugal is still one of the world’s top 20 destinations, it has seen a steady decline since 2000. Many new and upcoming destinations have overtaken Portugal offering new and more tailored tourist experiences.

Fig 19. World’s top 20 destinations for tourists

The interventions proposed by our group, or any other, should have a strong impact upon the site to create a flurry of activity and visitation to the site which will help kick-start the tourist revolution and regeneration of Porto. The UK makes up the largest percentage of international guests being one of the

four main countries of incoming tourists to Porto [The others being France, Germany, and Spain.]

This UK percentage has been increasing over the past few years, both in number of guests and the duration of stays.

Fig 20. Dependancy on the four main outbound markets of the EU

12

The place clearly has something to offer British tourists, and indeed those from around the world.

The masterplan must enhance the features that already draw in these tourists to better the experience offered.

With international tourism, air access becomes a key point. This is shown in the correlation of visitors in relation to regular air connections. The four top destinations in Portugal sit in order of frequency of available flights.

Fig 21. Weight of the 4 largest outbound markets to the destination (2005)

Porto currently sits third, however, with a masterplan that generates a lot of tourist interest, the frequency of air connections would inevitably increase and, as the clear correlation shows, more connections result in more visitors, which in turn generates larger revenue for the city.

In a similar fashion, there is also correlation between the age of visitors and their average expenditure. Averagely, older tourists exhibit larger expenditure, however, there are a greater number of younger visitors with a lower visitor budget. Therefore, the masterplan must

Fig 22. Breakdown of tourists by age group (1992-2001)

take into account interventions of interest for both age groups. It must ensure that the large number of young tourists can enjoy their stay spending their money on food and drink from cafĂŠs, bars and restaurants, whilst the older generation have places of cultural and heritage importance along guided routes with carefully selected rest spots with amenities. Should the masterplan successfully tackle this, there is market for a greater increase in tourist revenue generated thereby increasing the success of the scheme for regenerating Porto.

Fig 23. Average annual expenditure on holidays per capita in Europe

13

The strategic plan outlines four key areas to consider for new schemes aimed at tourists:

Fig 24. Strategic Plan

Local Experience: Our scheme will have clear consideration on improving the public spaces as well as the activities present in and around these areas. Not only public spaces, but disconnected routes and hidden gems throughout the city will be more easily accessed and better connected to the rest of the city.

In comparison to other Portuguese cities, Porto is set to receive particular attention in terms of government funding and benefits due to its capacity for growth when compared to other tourist destinations across the country.

Fig 25. Porto in comparison to other Portugese cities

14

Promotion: Through a series of new interventions, events, and cultural attractions, Porto aims to advertise itself to the world as a hotspot destination for tourists. The city wants to look into

several key areas after research highlighted the average expenditure and time taken to enjoy certain activities held much in the way of potential.

Fig 26. Annual average growth for the next 10 years

The studies showed how the city had a market to expand and enhance on cultural and landscape touring with a general rise across Europe for such experiences. However, current expenditure is less

than that of food and wines, or meetings, there is much room for improvement and this is of key interest to our scheme.

Fig 27. Porto’s main attractions

15

The Plan outlines a series of potential initiatives through which to adapt Porto for touristic change.

Fig 28. Proposal of potential initiatives to develop further - Porto e Norte

Of these possibilities, enriching the content, not only of museums, etc. but also of the unique urban fabric of Site is key to our approach to the site. Furthermore, coupling this enrichment with an enhanced series of touring routes, as well as spaces of natural beauty, would capitalize on Europeans’ desire to explore the cities they visit

to the fullest. On another note, though the port lodges sit outside of our chosen site boundaries, we will design a scheme that will, not directly include the lodges in the masterplan of interventions, but more closely connect the city of Porto to these lodges and the tourist experience they can offer.

16

City Statistics Porto has become a densely populated city and, as such, now faces the threats typical of greater urban environments. With growing crime, rising health problems, an increase in illiteracy, and many other problems, Porto has declined and is in

serious need of, not just the tourist incentive, but also a scheme that looks closely at the relationship between the city and its residents, and, where possible, measures should be taken to improve living standards and help tackle these problems.

Fig 29. Porto’s population density

Within Site B, there are areas of great urban density, in particular the housing estates. This has led to increased crime and lower standards of living within these cut off and segregated

areas of the city. Our scheme will look at better integrating these areas to reconnect them with the city with the intention of bettering the living standards for the residents in those areas.

Fig 30. Porto’s elderly dependence index

Porto has an ageing population and, as such, a growing elderly dependence. The diagram shows how there are clusters of heavy elderly dependence

within Site B. These areas would benefit from interventions that can enrich the lives of the elderly; rest spaces with great views, walking routes, etc.

Fig 31. Porto’s illiteracy rate

Within Site B, there are areas, particularly within the housing slums, that exhibit low literacy rates.

These areas, as well as gaining improved connection to the bustling city, would also benefit from

educational programs; whether that is through the masterplan or through individual CDP exploration is something to be investigated.

17

Fig 32. Porto’s unemployment rate

With a steadily rising unemployment rate, even in this time of recession, Porto requires an employment boosting opportunity across the city. The masterplan will offer a wide range of

skilled and unskilled jobs that will help regenerate the city and tackle the unemployment problem.

Fig 33. Buildings constructed before 1919

There is a clear focus on building centrally and closer to the ‘heart’ of the city whereas, as shown in the diagram below, in more recent times, focus has been on the outskirts. Our masterplan will help bring focus back into the heart of Porto and

bring a strong resolve to bolster the city’s image, strengthen its cultural heritage, and superimpose an enhanced sense of place into the very fabric of the city.

Fig 34. Buildings constructed after 1996

18

Fig 35.Porto’s green spaces in 1890

Fig 36. Porto’s green spaces in 2000

The diagrams above show a clear reduction in the green spaces present throughout the city, both public and private. Our masterplan will look to reintroduce many lost areas of greenery as well as introducing new ones that create a green link route throughout the site.

Fig 37. Average number of admissions per year to hospitals in Porto

There is a clear correlation between the low health statistics and the densely packed area of Site B. With new interventions and connections, as well as a focus on ‘cleaning up’ the area for both tourist

and resident use and enjoyment, we can hopefully increase the quality of living and have our scheme act as a catalyst towards a city-wide drive to improve Porto in all areas.

Fig 38. Areas of greater happiness in Porto

Fig 39. Areas of greater unhappiness in Porto

Though ‘happiness’ incorporates a wide range of variables in the realm of statistics, there is a concentration of negative feelings and opinions throughout Site B. With our masterplan, we aim to rejuvenate and regenerate the area to its former

glory and perhaps beyond, thereby improving living standards, greater experiential opportunities for tourists [domestic and international], and, in the long run, look towards changing public opinion towards the area to one of ‘happiness’.

19

Fig 39. The Porto Vivo Masterplan

The masterplan shown above is the proposed plans

by Porto Vivo to revitalise this part of the site. The key [right] shows how the plan intends to focus on elderly residences, student accommodation, and hotels for tourists. This plan aims to regenerate a decaying part of the city and, in an area that suffers from high crime rates, remove the intimidating nature of this site. Our own scheme takes this proposal into consideration and acts as a means of urban stitching to compliment the scheme and the city.

20

III

Chapter III Site Photographs

The site photographs in this chapter are shown in a chronological order in order to allow you to experince the journey in much the same way we did. This in turn, will hopefully better understand our critical design thinking throughout our scheme. There are some photos that offer a sense of character, of our group and the city, to evoke a better emotive connection with you, the reader.

22

23

24

25

27

29

30

31

32

33

35

36

IV

Chapter IV Masterplan Scheme First Review

When we approached the site, we established several key points that we wanted to tackle with our scheme. Firstly, it was the presence of the strong central route, however, the break to the North was a clear obstacle which we would address. Following, we decided to better establish the boulevard along the centre with more activity in this space.

As a group, we noticed how isolated the cathedral had become, and how this had effected the cathedral’s impact upon the people who view it.

This was something we decided to explore and attempt to rectify through our interventions.

Plenty of tourists visited the cathedral site in spite of its more isolated standing. This was of importance to us as we’d decided to fully focus on a scheme preparing Porto for the tourist boom.

In the area to the South, near the river, we realised a potential for connecting the site back up to its higher point near the funicular entrance, and in doing so, begin to better establish the ‘tourist route’ within the site. Finally, to the South of Site B, across the river, the port lodges and impressive monastery provide end destinations for many of the tourists’ journeys. Though we chose not to intervene in that part of the site, we agreed it was best to establish the route strongly up to this point.

Fig 40. Initial thoughts and highlighting key areas of the site

38

Following our discussions, our group chose a number of key routes that we would focus on connecting, and better establishing throughout the area. We also proposed that a series of smaller, more minimal interventions, only designed to establish the presence of the routes, would be more beneficial. New and existing public squares were positioned along the routes to provide rest spots, or a location to enjoy a particular vista or experience. Lastly, we looked to create a cultural quarter around the cathedral, making it a more prominent and less isolated icon within the heart of the city.

Fig 41. Masterplan incorporating initial ideas and interventions

39

In our first reviews, we highlighted several key points our masterplan was going to focus on. One of these was the importance of the green spaces around the site. We felt that there was a lot of potential in creating green routes through the introduction of a number of new green spaces; small intercity ‘pocket parks’. These green interventions lie within the gaps between key [public] green spaces to more solidly establish a green link around the city.

Two of the main green interventions were; the landscaped garden to the South of the cathedral, which would attract visitors and provide a serene

Fig 42. Green Spaces in the Masterplan

floral experience; and the second is the landscaped orchard within the largest of the abandoned sites.

This orchard brings about, not only a solid green link, but also allows an age old tradition in Porto, with the Festa do Pero [Festival of Apples], to take place within the very heart of Porto. This garden provides a space that can be inhabited and enjoyed by both the residents and the tourists in very different ways; a poetic intertwining between the two inside the same space. In addition, the festival would adhere to the National Strategic Plan’s aims to bring more festivals to the centre of Porto.

40

V 41

Chapter V Masterplan Scheme Interim Review Interventions During our interim reviews, we chose to focus more clearly on the establishment of the routes that we proposed and the journeys along those routes. Within the boulevard area of the masterplan, following feedback and further exploration, we decided that there needed to be a more solid urban intervention to sufficiently create the hub of activity that we hoped to achieve.

With a much larger intervention on the East side, it also connects the lower street level with the high level gardens creating a unique system of entering a building and exiting into a very different public space on the site, both in type and height.

The public spaces were of important note, and we proposed increasing their use and impact by tailoring our tourist routes to pass through these spaces.

Along the boulevard, we propose that the urban market be made into a more open public market that is enhanced with our interventions alongside and opposite to create an area of great public activity and a cultural experience for tourists to interact with the locals and their produce.

Fig 43. Interventions on the site

42

New Views & Vistas Through revisiting our site visit photos, we realised that there was an area that could greatly improve the vistas available to the public along this site. South East of the cathedral, near the rail track exit into the open, we decided to reopen a disused walk path along the stone face.

This would help connect the cultural quarter by the cathedral in a closed loop with the main route.

The watercolour image represents the new, and more impressive, view given to visitors when entering the cathedral’s plateau from the currently closed route that is re-opened and connected to the old stone walkway.

On the opposite side of the site, reutilizing the abandoned stairway would create a second, mirroring closed loop which we felt gave the tourists a greater element of choice still residing within our designed masterplan. This closed loop system allows for a steady flow of people to leave and re-join the main route ensuring a multitude of experiential quality on multiple visits to the site, and also helps more of the tourists’ disposable income to be spent in the city.

Fig 44. Watercoulour image of the cathdral from a different approach

Fig 45. Sketch sequence showing new routes from the Aliados Square to the Sao Bento station

Fig 46. Sketch sequence showing new vistas from the station to the cathedral

43

Green Route At the time of our interim reviews, we had revisited the exploration of the green link through the site.

We wanted to make certain that our routes went through and connected these spaces and also the role public spaces would play along these routes.

As the diagrams show, the urban spaces have been placed in the gaps between the public green spaces. This isn’t because the link between the green spaces is more important, but rather that we felt there shouldn’t be a gap in experience along the route; at no time should a visitor find themselves in an area without any drama or activity; an area void of views, vistas, and vibrancy.

Instead, the route should journey one along through a play of soft green, and harder urban fabrics each with their own merits to the story through the city.

Fig 47. Sketch sequence showing new routes to new structured green spaces

Fig 48. The Green Route

44

VI

Chapter VI Masterplan Scheme Final Review

Fig 49. Final Review Masterplan

46

The final review saw the tying together of our project. After further feedback and analysis, we decided that, in order to achieve enough activity to sustain itself, the boulevard required a larger urban intervention to establish the space fully.

With the interventions creating a definite edge to this part of the site, it allows one to know exactly when they are entering or leaving this space.

primary aims, also block the view of the cathedral along the route. Visitors are granted a fleeting view of the cathedral from between the interventions which is designed to entice and enthral. This ensures that traveling to and up to the cathedral becomes a far more dramatic experience leading up to a much more impressive reveal.

As a group, we decided that there should be a ‘delayed gratification’ with regards to the view of the cathedral. With the existing site, at no point is the cathedral out of view along the site. This means that, by the time one has arrived at the cathedral plaza, the awe and presence of the building has been diluted.

The interventions that we have placed along the boulevard, as well as fulfilling their Fig 50. Watercolour image of the new retail blocks

Cross Sections

Fig 51. Series of cross-sections along the main spine of the masterplan showing new interventions.

47

New Viewing Platforms To the South, near the rail track opening, we felt that the potential for the vistas wasn’t being fully utilized. As such, we opted to create a series of viewing platforms across this whole area that create a point of rest and enjoyment with particular views framed, new connections made to existing routes, and greenery offering shade and ambience. The abandoned stairway also becomes a place to offer vistas with small

interventions set to frame particular and spectacular vistas. Furthermore, along the old medieval wall, next to the funicular, we chose to reopen another disused walkway to grant better access up to and along the wall which allows the wall to become a easily accessed viewing platform within our scheme.

Fig 52. Sketch Sequence showing new routes and vistas towards the promenade

Fig 53. Sketch Sequence towards the convent and the medieval wall

The platforms shown, one sitting atop of the train opening, the other along the disused walkways, connect the two halves of the site whilst offering previously unavailable vistas; an experience enjoyed by young or old.

Fig 54. New viewing platforms along the edge of the site

We felt that the interventions along our site should not try to blend in with the surroundings, nor boast of their modernity. Instead, we opted to create a series of interventions that would comfortably sit within the context and typology of the area clearly, but not obtrusively, guiding people along the tourist routes.

Fig 55. New viewing platforms on structured green spaces

48

The watercolour shows one of the potential vistas unlocked through the addition of our viewing platforms. Spectacular and uninterrupted across the whole River and its valley. From this viewing position, one can see a series of options available to them; the continued walkway into the cultural quarter; the path leading across to the medieval wall; the landscaped garden route below; and the straight continuation of the main ‘central route’.

promenade acts as a boating jetty. Linking with a disused, but otherwise fully functioning building, a boat hire and water leisure facility is established along the tourist route to grant people the opportunity to interact with the river of their own accord.

The promenades along the river were designed early on in the masterplan, however, they play a key part in the flow of the scheme. The Porto-side promenade better links the existing and bustling waterfront, the main tourist route, and the scenic route along the old stairway to the East. It also provides a platform for relaxation, contemplation, fishing and leisure activities, as well as a closer link with the river. The Southern Fig 56. Watercolour image from a viewing platfrom

Fig 57. Sketch sequence from the centre of the site towards the bridge

Fig 57. Sketch sequence from the viewing platforms to the reopened route towards the cathedral.

49

North - South Sections

East Facing Section - Section A-A

Fig 58. Long section along the main route facing east showing the new interventions implemented in the masterplan

West Facing Section - Section B-B

Fig 59. Long section along the main route facing west showing the new interventions implemented in the masterplan

50

VII

Chapter VII Masterplan Scheme

Post Final Review - Further Refinement

Fig 60. Post- Review Masterplan

52

Post Final Review - Further Refinement Following some final feedback after the final review, we felt that we owed it to the scheme to make some final refinements. The smaller retail intervention, along the main boulevard, has been extended to fully establish the site and make better use of the sunken circle space near the cathedral. By turning this space into a ground level public square, as its use is minimal and there are many other routes, it benefits the city and its people[s] more. The public space can become a renowned meeting place, or a place to relax in the heart of the city and is easily viewable from many directions. With the stronger impact

Fig 61. The ‘heart’ of the site - further refinement

along the main boulevard, the final intervention better establishes what we set out to achieve by making Porto more prepared for the oncoming tourist boom along our designed routes.

The addition of foliage and the presence of water creates a great sense of place and serenity within the chaotic city. In the warmer months, the water will offer cooler air and a great place to sit and enjoy coffee, or food with friends whilst enjoying the ambience of the site the choice of routes easily seen to continue one’s journey.

53

Appendix

Appendix Cost Plan Cost per m²

Total Area (m²)

Total Cost

Retail

£1,450

13,700

£19,865,000

Cafés

£1,050

2,025

£2,126,250

Hotel

£1,175

1,200

£1,560,000

Cultural Quarter

£3,000

3,700

£11,100,000

Timber Viewing Platforms

£720

1,250

£900,000

Timber Promenades

£720

3,500

£2,520,000

Archaeology Exhibition Space

£1,300

900

£1,170,000

£50 + £15,000 per area for fertilizer and 1 year care

11,100

£585,000

Green Landscaping

Public Works The total estimated cost for public works is £194,000 This includes: Street Lighting - £410 per unit Street Furniture - £820 per unit Paving - £31.50 per m²

Total Cost: £39,494,650 (€47,248,493) Professionnal fees based on 14%: £5,575,675 (€6,670,327.38) (The reason for the percentage of fees being on the high end is for the need of skilled labour in the heritage and culture zones.)

56

Author’s Notes & CDP Potential Carl C.

Will S.

During my visit to Porto, throughout our analysis, there was a strong sense of missing routes; pathways obstructed, links unclear, and a difficulty to reach the points that we felt were worthy of visit. It was from these early journeys around the city that, as a group, we chose to investigate the possibilities of establishing clear sets of routes for people coming to the city.

My expectations and thoughts of the site before and after are somewhat different. Since it is a world heritage site which makes it very attractive for tourists to visit, my initial expectations was that it was a busy and vibrant site but for me that wasn’t the case during our visit. We spotted the problems and we as a group decided that we needed a clear tourist route through the site. In order to overcome this, we felt that the use of small interventions was the way forward and this would only enhance and keep the culture and heritage of the site.

In addition, whilst in the city, I became fascinated by the ceramics of the city that adorn many of the building facades. However, despite being visually impressive, I felt that there as a lack of connection between me; the person, and the tile; the art. I returned, and when considering my CDP possibilities, I felt that the ceramic tiles were the perfect choice; through which I could explore the ways in which people could become more closely engaged with the fantastic tiles.

After we looked more closely into the cultural quarter of our scheme, I knew that it would be a strong choice as a site for a project focused on the cultural ceramic tiles as I intended. Though I explored the site thoroughly whilst in Porto, I will take the time to analyse it more carefully and hopefully extract its fullest potential through my comprehensive design project.

What interested me the most in Porto was its heritage especially the Muralha Fernandinha wall.

We walked along the wall and the views of the site was truly amazing. I felt that there should be more emphasis on the site’s heritage and should be showcased to the public. I noticed that there was a lack of archaeology museums in the site and I believe having a centre for archaeology can only benefit the city. This opened up the opportunity for me to look more closely on the site’s heritage for my CDP project. The plan is to bring back the connections between the people and the city’s rich heritage in ways that the people can once again appreciate its significance.

Andy S. When visiting Porto, and especially when walking through from our Hostels location towards the cities central district I could already feel that the smaller meandering roads we were heading down, would spill out into somewhere of interest. The small cover crowded streets are what gibe Porto a unique twist in its articulation, reaching point A to point B can leave you finding your own individual paths that rekindle the medieval connection to the wonderer and the city. The potential spaces for a CDP began to stray away from the conventional locations within Site B, seeing the Duero River as the Main artery of Porto started to make me think of potential CDP sites adjacent to the city and onto the water itself. Seeing a Port bottle that was more than

likely created within Porto, half submerged; floating in the water was when I thought about inhabiting the water. I believe that with the carefully thought out implemented route through the city will bring a new hive of activity in and around the old walls of the city and back into its forgotten passageways. Researching the religious and bloody past of Porto lead me to Nassoni; the Architect of Porto, and the reason as to why Site B’s location is densely crowded with Architecture of a religious order. This architectural and religious history has intrigued me; the potential to re-animate a part of Porto’s history began to become one of the focal point for my comprehensive design project.

57

Figures and Images 1. Own image 2. Ibid., 3. Ibid., 4. Ibid., 5. Ibid., 6. Ibid., 7. http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/01/b8/a9/view8.

of-cathedral-from.jpg http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6b/Oporto_-_ Metro_de_Porto_-_20110425_132445.jpg

9. Own image 10. Ibid., 11. Ibid., 12. Ibid., 13. Ibid., 14. University of Porto Research 15. Ibid., 16. Ibid., 17. Ibid., 18. Ibid., 19. Ibid., 20. Ibid., 21. Ibid., 22. Ibid., 23. Ibid., 24. Ibid., 25. Ibid., 26. Ibid., 27. Ibid., 28. Ibid., 29. Ibid., 30. Ibid., 31. Ibid., 32. Ibid., 33. Ibid., 34. Ibid., 35. Ibid., 36. Ibid., 37. Ibid., 38. Ibid., 39. Porto Vivo Masterplan Chapter 3 - Site Images- Own Images 40. Own image 41. Ibid., 42. Ibid., 43. Ibid., 44. Ibid., 45. Ibid., 46. Ibid., 47. Ibid., 48. Ibid., 49. Ibid., 50. Ibid., 51. Ibid., 52. Ibid., 53. Ibid., 54. Ibid., 55. Ibid., 56. Ibid., 57. Ibid., 58. Ibid., 59. Ibid., 60. Ibid., 61. Ibid.,