ConnectingThe site is located in the city Odivelas in the metropolitan area of Lisbon. The area is disintegrated in the larger city network due to the steep slopes and fragmented structure of surrounding urban fabric. The design connects the interrupted street network and introduces a pedestrian and bike circuit, which connects the dispersed institutions of the surrounding into a “loop“. A public plaza creates identity as gathering place and connects the municipal market with a future light rail stop as well as the existing parks.Vegetation - Productive UseThe porous surface of the plaza allows two existing streams to pass though and expand during rainy periods. The adjacent flood zones are occupied with small plots that serve for market gardening to support the living habits and living conditions of the existing migrant population. This mini-agriculture promotes self-organization and introduces a productive approach to create a sustainable ecological urban zone. Different housing typologies respond to the different demand of low-income market rate housing and a special re-housing program for the inhabitants of the existing shacks.Europan 9 Winning project 2008