Alvega Canoeing Center

Purpose of the proposal

The Alvega Canoeing Center project was the result of an international public design contest to promote the Tejo River on the banks of the Middle Tagus River. The purpose of this competition was to promote the Tagus River through a series of structuring projects and innovative initiatives that could highlight the role of the river as a strategic axis of economic dynamism and an identity element of the region, on the road to a sustainable development of job creation and social welfare for residents, and external attractiveness.

Description of the project

With the same area and volume of the previous building, the new Canoeing Center is located at the river beach of Alvega. Its proximity to the Tagus river, in a regularly flooded area during the winter, determined its position, raised above ground level – increasing the ground permeability –, and the coating of its walls, with a solution of black recycled plastic profiles, able to resist the impact of objects that might be dragged by the river, being permeable to the water flow simultaneously.

Internally divided into three bodies, which may have different management, the volume is composed by a cafeteria, a boat storage area and changing cabins. The terrace, barbecue area and staircase, potentially usable as an outdoor amphitheater, are intended for public use.

Contrary to the previous building, the three new bodies rise above the ground, settling on a concrete platform on pillars. While the horizontal surfaces (floors and roofs) were made of reinforced concrete, the overall image of the building is translated by its vertical elements consisting of a new highly resistant and environmentally sustainable material, made with plastic waste. From the recycling process, high density plastic profiles with high resistance to corrosion, rotting, vandalism (easy removal of graffiti), natural degradation (heat, cold and U.V.) and without maintenance and finishing are obtained. Overall, the project brings together features that suit perfectly to the location and situation that fits the new building.

The proposed structure sought to integrate more subtly on site, characterized as a renewed leisure and meeting place for the local community, in addition to the inherent nautical associated activities.

As a result of the present intervention, the minimization of the pre-existing negative impacts on a site of great sensitivity, which is included in the National Ecological Reserve and the Flood Area of the Hydraulic Domain, appeared naturally. Thus, there was a significant reduction in soil sealing and the natural topography of the terrain was restored, keeping the vegetation cover and safeguarding the natural and landscape values. In addition, this intervention allowed the objectives of ecological and environmental protection and preservation and reduction of natural risks to be expanded, since the dynamics of nature are respected, especially those resulting from the floods to which this place is permanently subject.

Assessment of the finished work

Alvega Canoeing Center is currently concessioned by the Alvega's House of People, which holds the exploration of the bar that operates seasonally, as part of the year its exploitation is impossible because the place is temporarily submerged.