Artistic installation entertains commerce between Rua da Picaria and Largo de Alberto Pimentel

There is a different colour in Rua da Picaria, Largo de Mompilher, Rua da Conceição and Largo de Alberto Pimentel. The artistic installation “The Square”, which concept was created by the architect Nuno Pimentel, will be on display until 17 September with the aim of promoting commercial activity.

Like what happened in 2021 at Rua de Santa Catarina and in 2019 at Rua de Cedofeita, within the scope of actions to promote and proximity to street, local and traditional commerce in the city, Porto City Hall once again develops an initiative of street with the aim of boosting and giving visibility to commercial activity, promoting attractiveness and consumption dynamics.

This time the chosen area is distributed between Rua da Picaria, Largo de Mompilher, Rua da Conceição and Largo de Alberto Pimentel, insofar as the area in question can serve as a motto to leverage and promote commercial activity, with special focus on the catering area, which has been significantly affected in the last two years, and which needs to be stimulated.

The “Square” is a temporary intervention, through the creation of an installation that welcomes and directs the pedestrian flow in this area of the city. Created by the architect Nuno Pimenta, the work creates a connection element, a semi-transparent blue line that suggests the visit to the different commercial establishments and defines a route marked by new dynamics and new moments of permanence and enjoyment in this area of the city.

The line adapts to the geometry of the Largo de Mompilher and Largo de Alberto Pimentel, supported by structures that also allow the creation of new resting spaces, mingling and entertainment in these two squares. These structures adjust and relate with the pre-existing elements in the place, namely trees, benches and accesses, integrating them into the definition of their form and intended use.

During the day, an immersive environment is created, marked simultaneously by the brightness and shading in bluish tones. During the night, the intervention is illuminated with light strips in different positions that accentuate the perception of movement towards a centre, at Largo de Mompilher.