We were commissioned to design a Village of Care in Vila Real de Santo António, in Algarve, Portugal. This first-of-its-kind retirement estate would be fully integrated in the surrounding town. The scheme comprised 600 independent living units, an ERPI centre (residential centre for the elderly), various food and beverage offerings, a fitness centre and a small medical health centre.

The urban design concept set out the structuring development principles and established the conceptual masterplan for the scheme. It included a public open space strategy and proposed a land use plan and a series of development guidelines to inform the architectural design components.
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Pedestrian street and walkways
The masterplan proposed a generous pedestrianised street which connected a network of pedestrian walkways throughout the development. This network of spaces and places was designed to be used by pedestrians and cyclists only. Key pedestrian street characteristics included:

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• Surface treatments that emphasised the village’s pedestrian-first character
• Street furniture, artwork, seating, tables, benches, trees, landscaping and cycle racks
• Water fountains to add character and support a range of activitiy
• Appropriate lighting to support a safe environment

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Central piazza
The masterplan proposed a new central piazza within the development, envisaged as the main gathering space for community events and daily public functions. This was conceived as a predominantly hard-surfaced square with breakaway lawn spaces, strategic planting, concession space extending to retail edges, defined seating areas, tree planting and general street furniture.‍

Internal courtyards
The masterplan suggested perimeter block buildings, each surrounding courtyards which functioned as vital semi-private/public spaces for building residents to use either actively or passively.‍

River-front promenade for passive recreation
The public river-front promenade space was envisioned as key to the social functioning of not only the development itself but also the surrounding town. This space was proposed as a linear park reconnecting the community to the waterfront and providing much-needed public open space for local residents. The proposal also incorporated a series of spaces that offered passive and programmed recreational opportunities.