The solution for the “Parque Urbano do Paço de Giela” that we propose, comprises the autonomous but articulated development of 4 different structuring axes:

1 – Valorisation and integration of the Palace and adjacent buildings in the Urban Park, through the design of road and pedestrian routes and the recovery of the design of landscape arrangements and tree species that, guarantee its connection with the whole Urban Park, restoring to it the singularity and nobility once lost. Through the definition of a series of routes (paths), where the valorisation of the water theme becomes evident.

2 – Environmental Knowledge and Interpretation, called “Himalaya Park”. This park will allow, on the one hand, to make known the important work of the visionary countryman Father Himalaya, (man of science, pioneer of ecology in Portugal) and, on the other hand, to develop and promote the taste and respect for the environment in its most diverse forms. 

3 – Cultural and leisure events in the open air, will integrate the “Praça do Sol” and the ” Anfiteatro do Vento”. In this project area, activities in the areas of music, theatre, dance, the new circus and others can be developed. 

4 – Tourism and leisure, integrating the “Hotel da Giela” and the “Espaço do Garrano”, where through this lodging unit and its location it will be possible to take the best advantage of the landscape, as well as to offer a series of leisure services such as spa, swimming pool, tennis court and restaurant where it will be possible to show the best of the region’s gastronomy. On the other hand, to make known to the visitors the theme of the Garrano horse and allow the contact with the species.

The entire 19th Street should be rethought with special attention in the restructuring of the points of contact with other main roads and other important spaces of the City. The objective is to unite the heart of the City to the A41 access in a structured and hierarchical way, guaranteeing a new continuity between the several characteristic areas of the city and providing a greater interaction of the public space with the most important equipments. With this in mind, the intervention strategy aims at three fundamental intentions.

3.1 Redefinition of mobility systems:

• Integration of the mobility system at macro scale in 19th Street
• Redefinition of the main entrance sector in the City on 19th Street 
• Redesign of the link with Avenida 32
• Definition of one-way in the West side of 19th Street
• Road restructuring on the western edge of 19th Street
• Replacement of all parking spaces with public garden and support equipment
• Creation of two new underground car parking areas

3.2 Improving the network of public spaces:

• Creation of a green structural axis, strongly wooded with associated garden
• Valuing the main entrance sector in the City on 19th Street
• Creation of new Square/Garden on Avenida 32
• Marking the city centre at the western edge of 19th Street
• Valorisation of the Town Hall block
• Maintenance of existing trees and considerable increase in the tree heritage of the intervention area
• No tree should be cut down in the implementation of this project

3.3 Completion of existing road systems:

• Creation of new circulation alternatives

With the set of intentions and actions proposed, the intervention strategy aims to improve the quality of pedestrian and car flow through the deceleration of the latter, the subtle transition between them and the extension of the pedestrian area from Rua 19 to Nascente, articulating the different sectors of intervention through the unification of the space relative to Rua 19. It is also intended to integrate a new system of public space with a striking image that emphasises its character as an entrance way to the City and that constitutes a promoter factor of public usufruct.

The aim of the intervention is to create a space, seen and designed as a whole with different uses, which creates a strong dynamic and at the same time welcomes a range of services capable of attracting new visitors to the site, making the project and the investment more consistent and sustainable. Thus, the project refers to the creation of the Oceanus Park, which includes the expansion of the Oceanus College, with boarding school and senior residence, sports complex, single-family houses, biological park, urban park with restaurant and public parking. The project is launched with the motto of integration and exploitation of the natural landscape, the solution is integrated in the park.

“Perception and respect for the environment will help to find the balance in the cosmos that embraces us, so that we learn to be happy”.

The programme is divided in a very clear way: At the upper level, the residence and the houses have access to Rio do Paço Street from a new road; the school, implanted in the place where the topography is more stable, with a biological park and vegetable gardens under the stream; the sports complex at the lower level, which serves as a “kneecap” between Rio do Paço Street and the school; and, finally, the urban park, for community use, where walkways, belvedere and rest areas are proposed, as well as a restaurant.