PROPOSAL FOR THE RESTRUCTURING OF ALGÉS RIVER VALLEY.

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BACKGROUND

An in-depth analysis was carried out in this urban area where more than 200,000 people live. Structural problems identified are in dire need of being tackled. Fortunately, the solution can be found in the nature of the valley itself.


ISSUES

1. Derelict natural resources.
Agricultural farms and palace gardens were destroyed and replaced by industries and faulty neighborhoods. A large length of the riverbed was buried and paved. Priceless biodiversity losses and flooding have had a tragic impact on the population.

2. State inaction on planning.
The urban fabric of this valley is discontinuous, deficient, and unstructured as a result of Lisbon's unplanned growth over the last 100 years, which took place practically without the state’s participation. Urbanization developed in an improvised and spontaneous way, according to needs and available land. From the first basic infrastructure construction to the public transport network setup, promoters were mostly private companies and the formal and informal inhabitants associations.


RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Natural network.
An ecological corridor would link Alfragide and Benfica to downtown Algés. Thereunto, municipalities should undertake the unearthing of the river and plant an urban park on its banks, connected by tunnels to Monsanto.

2. Urban structure.
This network could be the backbone of the urban fabric, stitching it together through an electric tramway, pedestrian trail, and cycle lanes, along the river branches.


CONCLUSION

The fast and unorganized development of the city hampered the state from carrying out essential reforms. However, if there is no courageous and truly systemic action, as we proposed here, ecological damage could become irreversible, and the possibility of finding a solution for the urban issue may become increasingly distant.


Nuno Fonseca