Martim Moniz Square

Karres en Brands has drawn up a proposal for Lisbon’s Martim Moniz Square, which presents a contemporary scenario for the revitalization of a major public square in Lisbon’s city centre. The proposal was based on ecological and environmentally conscious principles, its main goal being to create an inclusive, diverse and sustainable public space that embraces nature and the different cultures represented in the city.

The concept focuses on creating a transitional zone between two ecological systems: an ecotone. In its current form, this traffic-oriented zone is dominated by paved streets, and will be transformed into a garden. Gardens are expressions of the relationship between humans and nature. They come in many shapes and hold many different meanings, depending on our cultural traditions, beliefs and values. For this reason, the plan was based on our reflection on the history, design and elements that are characteristic of gardens, seen from a perspective representing the various cultures that make up Portuguese culture. The urban transformation proposal also features a strategy for future transport modes, green infrastructure and rainwater management, based on solutions found in nature. Transforming Martim Moniz Square from an urban, ecological and social perspective may help us create a lively spot in the city.

The concept focuses on creating a transitional zone between two ecological systems: an ecotone. In its current form, this traffic-oriented zone is dominated by paved streets, and will be transformed into a garden. Gardens are expressions of the relationship between humans and nature. They come in many shapes and hold many different meanings, depending on our cultural traditions, beliefs and values. For this reason, the plan was based on our reflection on the history, design and elements that are characteristic of gardens, seen from a perspective representing the various cultures that make up Portuguese culture. The urban transformation proposal also features a strategy for future transport modes, green infrastructure and rainwater management, based on solutions found in nature. Transforming Martim Moniz Square from an urban, ecological and social perspective may help us create a lively spot in the city.