TOPOS: from the Greek, meaning “place”.

In the midst of a mountainous landscape rises the city of Manteigas, characterized by its distinct townscape and a dominant street that houses all public facilities. Unleashing the liveliness of the community, the proposal for the new Manteigas' plaza is a gesture that shapes the site, extending from lower areas to the higher main square.

The architectural intervention presents itself as a continuous gesture that boldly and consistently shapes the site, extending from the main square to the higher areas. Due to the layered nature of the site and the different depths, the intervention site assumes different functions and uses. The core concept of the project is therefore comparable to the topography itself, resembling a keystone in a series of squares and gathering spaces that line up near the intervention zone.

The proposal focuses on a single task: to fill an urban gap while creating a space where people can freely express themselves. It is not a space determined by a single function or structure, but a space that invites different temporary uses and adapts to the seasons.

Step by step, stair by stair, the height difference redefines this place. Uniform elements, be they steps, benches, or flowerbeds, delimit the paths and invite visitors to linger. At the highest elevation, a plaza spreads out, offering not one, but several places to sit. Here the design manifests itself as a natural amphitheater and a series of platforms or stages where daily episodes unfold spontaneously and residents can help shape the function of the square. This large square, which has a more formal character, is shaped by the surrounding residential buildings and is intended to create a space that residents can truly call their own.

It is clear that not only should the economy be circular, but so should the purpose of the spaces. The design is intended for continuous use and adapts to changes over time. It's realized through delicate granite walls that form steps or terraces, which are the main elements that define the space. Using local resources and materials not only ensures economic efficiency but also minimizes environmental impact. The local stone pavement fades along the hill, allowing for planting beds with trees at lower levels and smaller plants near the plaza. Similarly, the size of plant species decreases as elevation increases to reflect the natural gradient of the adjacent mountain ranges.