Urban ensemble - Avenida do Marechal Gomes da Costa

Category: Civil Architecture > Urban Ensemble

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Serralves

Location:

This urban ensemble is located in the city of Porto, extending through the parishes of Lordelo do Ouro and Foz do Douro. With a predominantly rectilinear layout, the avenue connects the Boavista area to Foz, running from east to west. It is a strikingly wide thoroughfare, characterized by a central landscaped and densely tree-lined median that separates the carriageways.

Its cross-section remains consistent throughout its entire length, offering a continuous perspective of its design. The surrounding area, known as Serralves, developed around this axis, with an urban fabric organized into small blocks.

Architecture and Heritage:

Along Avenida do Marechal Gomes da Costa, single-family housing predominates. These houses, mostly two-story, were built with a characteristic setback from the public road, providing a sense of space and privacy.

The architectural ensemble of the avenue reflects its development history. Since its conception, modern houses designed by renowned Porto architects in the 1930s and 1940s have been built here. Some of these buildings, particularly in the area of confluence with Avenida da Boavista, are now classified as a Set of Public Interest, testifying to the aesthetic and historical value of the location. Later, in the 1950s, state-promoted single-family homes, intended for the middle class, were also built, forming part of the Marechal Gomes da Costa Economic Housing Estate.

Urban Environment and Landscape:

Avenida do Marechal Gomes da Costa is distinguished by the quality of its public space and its striking identity. The low building density and the typological homogeneity of the constructions contribute to a cohesive and serene environment. The abundant presence of vegetation is one of its most distinctive features: large trees line the central median, complemented by the private gardens of the houses, which display a dense and well-maintained variety of species.

This green and spacious environment, originally conceived as an upscale residential area, has evolved over time, now hosting various activities, though it retains its aura of tranquility and distinction. The avenue invites careful observation of its layout and the balance between built structures and nature.

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