吉列尔梅·平托广场

Praça Guilherme Pinto is located between Sousa Aroso, D. João I, and Brito e Cunha streets, as well as the “Broadway,” in one of the most prestigious areas of Matosinhos. Covering nearly 8,000 square meters, the space serves local residents as a place for social interaction, sports activities, walking pets, and as a pedestrian passage.

An in-depth analysis identified several issues, including the limited variety of vegetation, which reduces the space’s potential to promote biodiversity. Additionally, the square contains a large impermeable paved area that creates visual discomfort, especially on bright days. The Broadway crossing the square also lacks attractive visual elements, making it a more neglected part of the space.

The proposal aims to create a balance between urban life and nature. The main entrance to the square is located atthe top, allowing a broad view of the space and its main elements.

A vegetation windbreak is also introduced to protect the square from northern winds and to help define different areas of the space.

In the southern part, a pet-friendly area allows users to walk their pets freely while also offering several seating and resting areas.

The proposal also includes a water feature surrounded by vegetation to encourage pollinating insects, contributing to increased biodiversity.

Along the Broadway, a tree-lined corridor with intensely flowering vegetation is created to emphasize this pathway and give it a sense of continuity throughout the square.