The Ordem dos Arquitectos de Portugal highlights the project “Praça e Posto de Turismo do Piódão”, designed by Paula del Río (Soria, Spain, 1985) and João Branco, founders of Branco del Río Arquitectos, which received the Prémio Maria José Estanco 2025 in its first edition.
Located in the historic village of Piódão, in the Serra do Açor in central Portugal, the project focuses on the transformation of Cónego Manuel Fernandes Nogueira Square, the village’s main entrance and its only open, level public space. Over time, the square had gradually become a parking area, diminishing its role as a social and civic gathering place.
The intervention restores the space to pedestrians, reestablishing it as a central meeting point that encourages social interaction and community life. A grid of cherry trees at the entrance creates a landscaped threshold that separates the square from the road and frames the gradual discovery of the village. The new schist paving, designed without curbs or level changes, reinforces the pedestrian character of the space while ensuring universal accessibility.
At the centre of the square, a large circular form organizes the space and creates a soft focal point aligned with the church, bringing together the existing monument and surrounding trees. The square is framed by the church façade, small local buildings with cafés and restaurants, and the tourist office, which was also renovated as part of the project.
The refurbishment of the tourist office simplified the existing structure by removing later additions and clarifying the building’s form. A new protective canopy, built using a traditional wooden structure with slate slabs, provides shade at the entrances while reinforcing the architectural unity of the square.
Through careful landscape and architectural interventions, the project enhances the historic character of Piódão while strengthening the role of the square as a shared public space for residents and visitors.
Visit the project webpage here.
