The site, referred to as Aterro da Boavista (Boavista landfill), underwent multiple phases of development over a period of more than 100 years to provide more hygienic areas for the city in the mid-19th century. Subsequently, the site was rapidly occupied by industrial, infrastructure, and maritime structures, as well as a train station. The site has recently undergone changes, including the addition of a ferry terminal, a metro station, and improvements to the existing train station, as well as several hospitality buildings. The waterfront area of the site is currently mostly vacant, with only a few remaining buildings from previous phases.

 

The monitoring and research centre is dedicated to monitoring and studying the biodiversity of the Tagus estuary. This includes the study of common dolphins, northern gannets, terns, great cormorants, and occasionally even sharks. In addition, the centre aims to improve the surrounding areas and is accompanied by public spaces and purpose-built structures.

 

The monitoring and research centre is constructed with a wooden cladding and a lightweight steel structure that elevates the building from ground level, allowing for easy access between the waterfront and public spaces. Furthermore, an observation deck is located on the roof. A pedestrian pathway winds its way along the waterfront, connecting the new developments with the existing areas to the North.

 

The ground level of the centre includes commercial spaces such as a café, a restaurant, and administrative and service areas. The first level is dedicated to research, interpretation, and exhibition facilities.

 

As part of this exercise, a previous group work established a set of assumptions and constraints based on the existing site, along with a proposed master plan for the waterfront, monitoring and research centre, and future works.