In a region universally known for its wine and glorious landscapes, inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, lies the Folgosa Tourist and River Pier, in Régua, along the Douro River. The proposal for the overhaul and regeneration of the space is focused on the landscaping of the strip of land bordering the river. The two volumes designed for this site are interconnected by a curvilinear walkway, in a close relationship between the built environment and the natural environment. Supported by a wooden structure, a contemporary solution is guaranteed that, in a play between the opacity of the elevations and the opening of the spans, celebrates the riverine landscape.
The tourist area comprises two volumes, one intended for a bar/ restaurant, equipped with infrastructures to support the river quay and another for a kiosk to serve the leisure areas. Access to the main building is via a wide walkway, which leads to a decked esplanade area. This esplanade is also encircled by the walkway that connects the river pier and the tourist pier – forming an integral part of the pedestrian regularisation route designed for the enjoyment of the majestic landscape. Next to the top of the walkway is the second building, the support kiosk, the multi-purpose function of which provides that it can revert to a newspaper and magazine stand or a tourist information centre.