Frente Ribeirinha de Loures

Loures Riverfront is an 85-hectare greenway park located in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Portugal, unfolding along the Tagus River’s marshland ecosystem. Recognized for its biodiversity and migratory birds, this wetland area was once isolated and inaccessible. The project had dual objectives: to complete a continuous pedestrian and cycling route along the Tagus River shoreline of Lisbon Metropolitan area, and to reconnect the nearby-by Loures territory —previously cut off by roads and railways—to the river. In doing so, it transformed the area into a vital mobility and recreational corridor, supporting sustainable commuting, reducing CO2 emissions, and positively affecting the lives of the surrounding communities.

The project reconnected this unique landscape with the urban fabric through a 6.2 km elevated wooden boardwalk supported on stilts, providing access for both pedestrians and cyclists. With bird observation points, rest areas, fishing piers, and shaded tunnels, the design invites visitors to engage with the natural environment. The raised boardwalk, varying from 1 to 5.5m above ground, allows water to flow freely, preserving the marshes ecosystem. The project highlights the biodiversity of the area, a mosaic of mudflats, salt marshes, and native reed beds supporting diverse flora and fauna, all within minutes of densely populated neighbourhoods. Taking inspiration from the meandering drainage lines, the trail avoids straight lines in favour of a gentle, curving path, that allows observation of the habitats from different perspectives.

Loures Riverfront now serves as a dynamic space, fostering a slower, more reflective experience of the landscape just minutes from urban life. It invites visitors to observe the birds, rest while overlooking the river, and soak themselves in the sounds of the marsh. Beyond mobility and recreation, the park is a platform for research, nature interpretation, and public education. Strategically placed signage and interactive exhibits educate visitors about the estuary ecosystem, biodiversity conservation, ocean management, and the critical role of salt marshes in mitigating climate change and reducing pollution and environmental toxicity.