COASTAL CYCLING PATH OF VILA NOVA DE GAIA, 2004-2005
Project for the Cabedelo Coastal Road – Cycle Path, part of the São Paio/Canidelo Detailed Plan, developed within the scope of the Polis Programme for the city of Vila Nova de Gaia.
The intervention area extends for approximately 1,130 metres, running along the river and sea frontage, from Lavadores Beach to São Paio Park. With the aim of transforming the waterfront into a pleasant pedestrian and cycling route, the project prioritised the requalification of public space, with careful treatment of the extensive seafront and riverside edge.
A bicycle route (“cycle path”) was implemented along the edge of the cliff. Starting from Lavadores Beach, depending on the area, motor vehicle circulation was either maintained or not, with one or two directions. The cycle path is made of asphalt with a red pigmented bituminous paint finish, and its edge condition with the existing road (vehicular road on the inland side) is defined by a precast concrete kerb.
The intention was for the route to follow the existing alignment as closely as possible in order to minimise earthworks.
The boundary between the route and the seafront is defined by a precast concrete bench, placed on a reinforced concrete beam. The upper level of the bench is constant in relation to the adjacent pavement and is set at 0.40m. In some areas, the same precast concrete element is flush with the pavement and benches are introduced, also made from the same precast elements but supported on smaller precast concrete units. These benches were complemented with urban furniture elements according to needs, namely litter bins, drinking fountains and bicycle stands.
Near the “GNR-GF” building, a square appears, marking a place for pause and articulation with a pedestrian route finished in a different material, using granite setts. The 30-centimetre level difference between the pedestrian route and the existing level, where the cycle path is now located, is maintained.
Artificial lighting and its role as infrastructure were of utmost importance, ensuring the basic conditions for the functioning and enjoyment of urban night life. The urban and environmental lighting system was conceived not as a series of individual installations assigned to specific streets or areas, but as an articulated whole.
Architecture: Maria João Patronilho
Nuno Torres | Daniela Maria Santos
Engineering: Época Engenharia | Eng. António Martins (coord.)
Photography: Atelier66 | Hugo Casanova (2022), Maria João Patronilho (2005)
Drawings for Publication: Atelier66 | Mariana Morais