Commitment 04Read more
Renewed Governance
Promote dialogue between the City and the Port within a renewed governance framework.
Adopting a land management policy that strikes a balance between urban uses and the active port, especially on the waterfront.
How can the right balance be struck between the spatial needs of the port and the city?
When selecting spatial programs and uses of a building, the architecture team can do it vertically or horizontally. The first results on a regular building with multiple levels. The second one allows, on the same level, the combination of various activities, like port and urban services. This solution is rarely seen but is particularly suited to passenger terminals. It also offers the added advantage of requiring less physical space. In both cases, the mix of urban and port functions will be an added attraction for the site. It will reinforce the site’s identity and its attractiveness, both to economic stakeholders and to the general community.
This good practice also includes objectives 6.2 (Integrating spaces and functions open to residents and visitors alike into port facilities, enhancing the visibility of the port and its activities) and 6.5 (Organising temporary and permanent cultural events in port areas) of the AIVP’s 2030 Agenda.
The Douro and Leixoes port authorities wanted a new cruise terminal to improve commercial income and integrate the port with the urban fabric. They opted for the project designed by Luis Pedro Silva Arquitectos to satisfy these two objectives. The Porto Cruise Terminal has been up and running since July 2015. It is situated at the South Mole of the Port of Leixões, just 3 km from the city of Porto. It was constructed on a new quay built in 2011 at the far end of the port’s southern jetty to accommodate larger vessels (up to 320 metres in length), which allows it to accommodate almost all the current fleet. The dockside part contains the embarkation and disembarkation areas and a covered raised gangway leading to vessels, which also provides access to the marina. The other functions are on the shoreside of the building, along with a bus shuttle to the city of Matosinhos, 750 metres away. The main building combines the cruise terminal with the CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (University of Porto), a 170-berth marina, events and exhibition spaces, a restaurant, and outdoor public spaces. The striking architecture, public spaces and roof turn the development into a promenade area.
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