The green embankment

The west entrance of Mondego Green Park in Coimbra, Portugal – a project of studio PROAP.

Text Verginia Kostova

The area around the west entrance of Mondego Green Park in Coimbra lies along the meliorated river Mondego and is a part of the system of city parks and pedestrian routes which merge into one another and are located on both banks of the river. In addition to creating a beautiful public space, the project of studio PROAP also solves a few problems. One of its important functions is providing a pedestrian connection with the Mondego Green Park, in passing under the busy road. Its other significant function is protecting the convent of Santa Clara from floods as a result of rises of the river. The space performs the function of embankment – to this end, the topography of the place has been modelled by strict lines which shape a concave grass area with a calm rendition. This place is also an archaeological site in which the difficult engineering task has found a very simple solution. It is also a praise of the convent – it provides new vistas to Santa Clara.

More about the project on p.94 - 98 in the new issue of Abitare Bulgaria