Located on Lisbon’s eastern riverfront, the Marvila Masterplan site has experienced layer upon layer of transformation, yet remains underused and largely disconnected from the city. It was once agricultural land owned by wealthy Lisbon families, then starting in the late 18th century was shaped by early industrial development. Railway lines crossing the area have, over time, created a physical barrier that separates it from its surroundings and from the River Tagus. Today in spite of its strategic position between Lisbon’s centre and the Parque das Nações area, it remains a fragmented part of the city. Vacant plots, obsolete infrastructure and a lack of quality public spaces conceal an area with significant untapped potential.

The plan accommodates approximately 1,400 homes with a variety of typologies, including affordable and social housing, and combines these with public facilities such as a day centre and a care home, as well as spaces for commerce and services. This mix of functions allows the area to remain active throughout the day and to serve a diverse range of users. The proposal also integrates existing cultural and natural heritage, such as the Convento do Beato, or a centuries-old rubber tree that will become the focal point of a new public square. This focus on reuse, along with the integration of renewable energy production including solar panels and the use of innovative materials, contributes to reducing the project’s carbon footprint.