New cooling towers

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Coimbra > Figueira da Foz > Leirosa > Marinha das Ondas

Location

The New Cooling Towers are located in the parish of Leirosa, in the coastal area of Marinha das Ondas, within the municipality of Figueira da Foz, district of Coimbra. Their strategic position in the maritime landscape grants them remarkable visibility, standing out as imposing landmarks on the horizon. Situated in a transitional area between the natural environment and large-scale infrastructure, these structures rise above the surrounding plains, visible from long distances, both for those approaching Figueira da Foz by land and for those navigating along the coast.

Shape and Presence

These towers, of monumental dimensions, present an inverted conical shape, which, at their scale, gives a remarkable presence to the landscape. Their architecture is marked by simplicity of lines and robustness of construction, elements that lend them an almost sculptural character in the surrounding environment. Built with durable materials and a smooth surface, their light hue enhances the grandeur of the work, which imposes itself through its verticality and its striking volume against the sky.

Impact on the Landscape

Despite their specific function, the New Cooling Towers have become an integral part of the visual identity of the Figueira da Foz coast. Their prominent silhouette serves as an unmistakable reference point for sailors and visitors, contrasting with the horizon line where the sea and land meet. They represent a testament to human capacity to conceive and erect large-scale structures that integrate and, at times, redefine the perception of the natural environment with an architectural presence of considerable visual impact.

Engineering and Context

These structures are a notable example of modern engineering, designed for a purpose that requires a significant construction scale and technologically advanced solutions. Their construction reflects contemporary techniques and the pursuit of efficiencies in large functional processes. The presence of these towers in the Marinha das Ondas region is part of a context of industrial and technical development that has shaped part of the local history and landscape, marking a particular phase in the area's evolution and progress.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt