Portuguese Urban Projects Nominated for European Public Space Award

Four Portuguese initiatives have been named among the 25 projects from 14 countries shortlisted for the European Public Space Urban Award, announced by Barcelona's Centre of Contemporary Culture (CCCB). The nominated works are: the Mercado do Bolhão revitalisation in Porto, the Corredor Verde do Leña spanning Maia, Santo Tirso, Valongo and Matosinhos, the Funicular da Graça in Lisbon, and the Praça and Tourist Post of Piódão in Arganil. The jury, chaired by architect Eva Prats, highlighted the projects' formal rigor, material sensitivity and spatial quality, noting their responses to climate emergency, ecological restoration and social cohesion.

The Corredor Verde do Leña, designed by landscape architect Laura Roldão, creates a 22‑hectare linear public space, a five‑kilometre corridor with about 4,200 new trees, water‑retention basins (600 m³ capacity), a cycling path, pedestrian bridges and enhanced public lighting. The award will reveal five finalists on 9 September, with the winner announced on 15 October in Barcelona.