Prof. Nuno Soares wins London Design Awards with proposal for Hac Sá Beach pedestrian trail
Prof. Nuno Soares wins London Design Awards with proposal for Hac Sá Beach pedestrian trail
08
Apr
08/04/2025
Prof. Nuno Soares, Head of the Department of Architecture and Design, won the Silver Award in the Landscape Design – Public Landscape category at the 2024 London Design Awards with “Park of Tides” Proposal.
Prof. Nuno Soares, Head of the Department of Architecture and Design at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, USJ, has won the Silver Award in the Landscape Design – Public Landscape category at the 2024 London Design Awards with “Park of Tides” Proposal. The project was designed by Prof. Nuno Soares and his architecture office – Urban Practice.
The proposal, initiated as an invited public tender by the Macau Municipal Affairs Bureau in early 2024, aimed to create an accessible pedestrian trail that seamlessly connects both ends of the beach while incorporating leisure facilities.
Inspired by the natural rhythm of the tides, the design spans for 12,000 m² and reinterprets the traditional walkway with a wave-like expansion. Titled Park of Tides, the project envisions a modern, green, and accessible beachfront trail that enhances both the natural beauty and recreational value of Hac Sá Beach.
The project is divided into three zones, each enhancing the coastal experience: zone A focuses on leisure with interactive spaces; zone B encourages exploration through natural materials and outdoor activities; and zone C highlights the landscape with contemporary design and facilities. Together, they reimagine the waterfront as a multifunctional, inclusive destination for visitors to engage, explore, and unwind.
Prof. Nuno Soares, Principal Architect at Urban Practice, said: “This design embraces a minimal-impact approach, blending effortlessly with the terrain through permeable structures, and natural materials. It represents our commitment to sustainable and inclusive architectural practices, ensuring ecological preservation while enhancing community well-being. If we prioritize environmental responsibility, we can create spaces that not only protect nature but also contribute to a more resilient local economy and a healthier and vibrant public realm.”
The London Design Awards, in conjunction with International Awards Associate, recognises designs that are exceptional in the visualisation of creative influence and sets out to promote the works of designers involved in several fields, bringing recognition to those who would surpass the industry.
More about the Park of Tides Award and London Design Awards can be found here: https://thelondondesignawards.com/winner-info.php?id=3549
