Constructing miniature Portugal: a modern tiny replica
Portugal dos Pequenitos, the miniature theme park in Coimbra, has announced a public competition for the design of five new miniature buildings as part of its contemporary architecture expansion. The project aims to create a miniature representation of modern Portugal within the park's context [2].
The preliminary plan for this expansion was conceived by architects Frederico Vital Soares and Eduardo Costa Pinto [1]. However, specific details about the collaborating architects or design concepts for this project were not disclosed in the available information.
The expansion project is estimated to cost seven million euros and is expected to begin in 2026 or later this year. It is designed to be resilient, biodiverse, and to propose a coherent and sustainable discourse on water [1].
The project will feature contributions from five renowned architects, including Luís Pedro Silva, Eduardo Souto Moura, João Pedro Falcão de Campos, Álvaro Siza Vieira, Rem Koolhaas (represented by Ellen Van Loon and Nuno Rosado), and possibly others [1].
The design approach considers each building individually, ensuring a careful and detailed reinterpretation of each structure, with harmonious integration with the surrounding garden [1]. The project goes beyond mere representation of iconic buildings on a reduced scale, aiming for a balance between volumes and a compromise on scale and site layout [1].
The expansion project will also include pathways that connect the buildings, providing an engaging and immersive experience for visitors [1]. The park, which was founded by Fernando Bissaya Barreto during Salazar's Estado Novo dictatorial regime and in the context of the Portuguese World Exhibition, is celebrating 85 years of activity [1].
As the competition progresses, more specific details about the architects, design concepts, and other aspects of the project are expected to be revealed. Keep an eye on official announcements from the park or Coimbra cultural authorities for updates on this exciting expansion.
The expansion project in Portugal dos Pequenitos plans to incorporate a miniature representation of modern Portugal's home-and-garden lifestyle, showcasing sustainable living ideas in the new buildings. In this endeavor, the project will collaborate with five renowned architects, such as Luis Pedro Silva, Eduardo Souto Moura, João Pedro Falcão de Campos, Alvaro Siza Vieira, Rem Koolhaas, and potentially others.
