ARX

Rossio de Aveiro lies at the edge of the historic core of the former medieval city, occupying a transitional space between the natural and urban environments, between marshes and salt pans and the compact city.

As a key element of the natural landscape that shapes the city’s identity, the canals of the Ria penetrate the consolidated urban fabric, enabling drainage and boat transport. The Rossio remains at the interface between the city and the public maritime domain, forming part of Aveiro’s riverfront and occupying a strategically important position between the city and its activities and transport networks.

A broad and informal public space, the Rossio has long been one of the city’s main settings for events, gathering and social interaction.

The intervention is based on the restructuring of this important urban space, combining urban amenity with the ecological balance of the natural systems that support and surround the city.

The proposal seeks to enhance the relationship between urban life and the Ria through its multiple environmental, landscape, tourist, social and economic functions. New green spaces transform the canal into a tree-lined ecological corridor, reconnecting the city centre with its natural surroundings. Water and vegetation establish a strong dialogue, creating comfortable areas for staying and moving along the waterfront and encouraging human interaction with the canal.

The intervention establishes several distinct areas, including a large multifunctional paved space for cultural events; a garden containing a tea house, terrace and children’s playground; a green area alongside the canal, bordered by trees that mediate between the water and the open multifunctional space; a new archaeological area revealing the foundations of the Chapel of São João; and an underground car park. By removing almost all surface parking, the latter enables a significant reduction in car traffic.