Alcântara Water Factory

The Alcântara valley is a key infrastructure and mobility channel for the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. Since the 18th century, it has been a territory marked by the construction of the Águas Livres Aqueduct and, in the last century, by the construction of the Duarte Pacheco Viaduct, various roads and railways, the plumbing of the Alcântara watercourse and the accesses to the 25 de Abril Bridge, along with the afforestation of the Monsanto Park. This is an upgrading project of a pre-existing wastewater treatment plant. A “thick roof” made of reinforced concrete, with about two hectares of diverse vegetation, is the architectural and landscape device that allows to recreate the visual and ecological continuity of the valley’s hillside system with the Forest Park. Its slopes and thickness were crafted to create living spaces and access. The complex includes services, administration, circulation, maintenance and support areas.