The Loures Riverfront project was conceived to complete the intermunicipal pedestrian and cycling network linking Lisbon to Vila Franca de Xira. It plays a pivotal role in the broader strategic vision for a continuous path along the Tagus River within the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. A key objective was to bridge Loures’ urban fabric—fragmented by major road and rail infrastructures—back to the river. The new pedestrian and cycling corridor not only addresses daily mobility needs but also fosters a shift in commuting habits, helping reduce CO₂ emissions and enhancing quality of life for surrounding communities.
Preliminary site analysis uncovered a striking juxtaposition of dense urban development and thriving natural ecosystems. Just minutes from residential neighborhoods lie mudflats, salt marshes, and native reed beds—vital habitats supporting rich biodiversity. The project reimagines mobility infrastructure as more than a means of transit. Instead, it proposes a landscape experience: a 6.2 km trail along the right bank of the Tagus River, designed as a gently meandering route inspired by natural drainage lines. Eschewing straight lines, the trail invites slower movement—encouraging users to observe wildlife, pause by the water, and listen to the ambient soundscape of the marshes.
In this way, the path becomes a multifunctional platform—for recreation, environmental education, and scientific observation—highlighting the value of estuarine ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity and marine stewardship.
