The “Escadinhas Footpaths” project promoted by INSTITUTO and designed by Paulo Moreira Architecture, in collaboration with Verkron, as part of the Bairros Saudáveis initiative, with the support of InResidence / Ágora – Cultura e Desporto and União de Freguesias – Custóias, Leça do Balio and Guifões, is an example of how architecture, art and nature can come together in a single urban project.
Located in Matosinhos, Portugal, “Escadinhas Footpaths” is a network of pedestrian paths that connect the hilly neighborhood of Monte Xisto to the banks of the Leça River. The initiative aims to demonstrate the added value that low-cost projects can bring to "hidden" and neglected urban spaces in our cities.
The process, which took place over the course of a year, involved a multidisciplinary team made up of architects, local builders, artists and an extensive network of partners. In the first phase of the works, the steps leading to Rua das Escadinhas were rehabilitated, an unusual urban device that connects the upper and lower levels of the western hill of Monte Xisto. The steps and railing were repaired and a new delimitation was created between the public steps and the adjoining private land, in the form of benches, allowing the steps to be used as a resting place.
Following the path that connects the base of the steps to the Leça River, an ancient ruin has been reconstructed and transformed into a relaxation area surrounded by nature. Small interventions have restored the original character of the site, eliminating the precarious changes made over the years. The meticulous rehabilitation of the site, which included the addition of benches in every 'room' of the building, has encouraged people to spend time there, transforming it into a place for socialising.
“Escadinhas Footpaths” is a project that goes beyond traditional architecture, integrating art and nature to create unique and welcoming public spaces. Through a collaborative and sustainable approach, the project has revived a neglected urban space, transforming it into a meeting and socializing place for the local community. The initiative demonstrates that even low-budget projects can have a significant impact on the quality of life in cities, enhancing and redeveloping public spaces in a creative and efficient way. “Escadinhas Footpaths” is an inspiring example of how architecture can be used to improve the usability and accessibility of urban spaces, promoting participation and social cohesion.
One of the key aspects of the project was the collaboration between different disciplines, including local architects, artists and builders. This multidisciplinary approach has made it possible to combine different skills and perspectives, leading to innovative and creative solutions for the redevelopment of the space. Furthermore, the active involvement of the local community ensured that the project responded to the real needs and wishes of the residents, creating a space that was truly inclusive and appropriate for the community.
During the rehabilitation of the site, particular emphasis was placed on preserving the original character of the place. The small scale interventions have restored the original architectural elements, eliminating precarious modifications and returning the site to its roots. The addition of benches in each "room" of the building has created spaces for rest and socializing, which invite people to stop, enjoy the place and interact with others.
In addition to the rehabilitation of the site, “Escadinhas Footpaths” has also promoted the connection between the hilly neighborhood of Monte Xisto and the Leça River. This created a new pedestrian connection between two previously separate areas, allowing people to easily move between them and enjoy the surrounding natural landscape. Furthermore, the transformation of the ancient ruin into a relaxation area has created an attractive public space along the way, which invites people to stop and appreciate the beauty of nature.
“Escadinhas Footpaths” is an example of how low-cost projects can help enhance and redevelop neglected urban spaces, transforming them into welcoming and inclusive places for the local community. This type of initiative demonstrates that urban design can go beyond the functional aspect of architecture, also including artistic and natural elements to create public spaces that promote socialization, connection and active community participation. “Escadinhas Footpaths” is an example of how collaboration between different disciplines and community involvement can lead to positive and inspiring results for urban regeneration.
project info
This project was promoted by INSTITUTO and designed by paulo moreira architectures, in collaboration with Verkron, as part of the Bairros Saudáveis initiative, with the support of InResidence / Ágora – Cultura e Desporto and União de Freguesias – Custóias, Leça do Balio e Guifões.
Projects by: paulo moreira architectures, with Verkron
Team: Paulo Moreira, Hemak Verkron, Irad Verkron, Carlos Gomes, Joyceline Teixeira, Raquel Pais, Oona Philomena Wächter, Oscar Larfeuille, Sami Sahli, Sofia Paganelli
Local builders: José Silva, Fabio Silva
Date: 2021-22
Area: 600 m2
photography: Ivo Tavares Studio (www.ivotavares.net)
Artwork: Verkron
