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Buçaquinho park extends 30ha near the sea shore of Ovar, in the North of Portugal. The history of this landscape is reflected by the artificial lagoons for water treatment: two anaerobic (circular) and four aerobic lagoons.
The space is marked by two strong elements with an essential role in the construction of the landscape. Firstly the lagoons, which water surface represents around 25% of the total area of the park. Secondly the geological resources, since it is implanted in a location with sand deposits from the Paleozoic period.
The harsh conditions for the park implantation also enabled the development of the project, since early assumed as a proposal for the environmental recovery and adaptation to the public space conditions.
Several material actions were developed, which resulted in the creation of adaptive processes to eliminate weed vegetation (Acacia sp.; Lampranthus sp.), promote native vegetation and create conditions for natural regeneration. The requalification of the lagoons (polluted by heavy metals), was the greatest challenge, adopting processes of environmental engineering for its phytodepuration.
The appropriation of this space by people is promoted through interpretative paths, with the lagoon scenery, the recreational clearing, and the exploration of the woods predominantly of Maritime pine.
In the proposed edifications, the nature is an instrument and stimulus to the architectural forms. The Cafeteria and the Expositive Building appear as organic elements that connect with the surroundings.
In the woods an observation tower emerges, dressed in Acacia trunks. In the lagoons the observatories invite contact with the avifauna/”birdwatching”.
This project adopted various sustainability measures, from material choices to the preference for renewable energies.
The project was concluded in August 2012 and the whole park is in a maturing process.
client: Ovar Municipality
architecture/engineer: Arquigrupo, Arquitetura e Planeamento, Lda.
landscape architect; urban furniture: Sofia Pacheco, Sara Moras, Victor Esteves; Gilberto Pereira
photography: Victor Esteves
status: constructed
