The ALLO Alcântara project is a contemporary landscape intervention located in one of Lisbon’s most rapidly transforming urban districts. Developed in direct connection with two adjacent office buildings, this project goes beyond the typical definition of corporate outdoor space. It proposes a landscape that is both expressive and restrained, blending architecture, art, and nature to generate a cohesive urban experience — one that acts as a functional space and an extension of the brand’s identity.
Drawing from the clarity and elegance of Portuguese architecture, the landscape design is marked by clean geometries, restrained materiality, and sculptural simplicity. This minimalist language offers more than aesthetic harmony; it enhances the usability of the space and creates a backdrop for daily life in the city. A defining feature is the floating bench, inspired by the form of a ring cloud — an object that is at once sculptural and social. More than just a place to sit, it serves as a focal point in the Central Plaza, inviting users to interact, gather, and rest in a space that feels open yet intimate.
The Central Plaza functions as the beating heart of the project. It serves not only as a transitional area between the buildings but also as a generous and welcoming public realm that introduces a sense of calm and refinement to the site. Through the use of nature-based forms, and a strong integration of greenery, the square offers a respite from the urban pace. This green infrastructure improves both the environmental performance and the experiential quality of the space. Whether used for informal meetings, social breaks, or quiet contemplation, the space is designed to accommodate a range of activities without losing its formal integrity.
The project reflects the core values celebrated by the LILA Awards with its ability to offer a functional, visually compelling, and emotionally resonant space. It demonstrates how landscape design can be a tool for place-making in the corporate realm, not only supporting daily use but also reinforcing brand identity and expressing architectural values.
ALLO Alcântara exemplifies the kind of design thinking that aligns with Landezine’s ethos: elegant solutions to complex urban challenges that place people and ecology at the center.
Additionally, this project represents a model for urban regeneration in Lisbon — a city undergoing intense development pressure. Instead of prioritizing density and speed, ALLO Alcântara proposes a slower, more thoughtful form of urbanism, where public life, design quality, and environmental consciousness are not compromised. Its restrained material palette, sensitive design gestures, and sculptural elements all contribute to a memorable and site-specific identity.
In a time where cities must embrace human-scaled, climate-resilient, and meaningful open spaces, ALLO Alcântara stands out for its clarity of intent and execution. It is a space where minimalist design, ecological thinking, and urban life converge — turning an office plaza into a generous and welcoming piece of the city.
• All architecture offices involved in the design:
Saraiva + Associados
• Other credits:
– Client: Bedrock Capital Partners
– Interior Design: Saraiva + Associados
– Photo Credits: Ivo Tavares Studio
