SIR NORMAN FOSTER, the award-winning English architect, has had his plans for the redevelopment of Lisbon’s Boavista area approved by Lisbon Câmara this week.
The 100 million euro project includes a 27-floor tower and encompasses an area of around five hectares, stretching between Largo de Santos and Praça Dom Luís. The architect says that the objective of the scheme is to create an area “that fuses a rich combination of different activities”, including residential, commercial, hotels, services and cultural spaces.
“The overall project will involve the creation of a public space with a green area and room for galleries, auditoriums, theatres, restaurants, bars and shops, which will guarantee that entertainment is available 24 hours a day,” explained Foster. “We need to have a balance between the height of the buildings and the creation of a considerable public area.” He went on to say that he believes his proposal will allow Lisbon to become an improved and sustainable city.
Now that the green light has been given by the câmara, construction is likely to begin in three to four years after the project has passed through further stages of the state approval process.
