Lisbon study trip 2022
HGP recently embarked on our 4th successful study trip, heading to the beautiful city of Lisbon. This was our first time travelling abroad since the outbreak of Covid-19, and it was wonderful being able to bond and socialise outside of the work environment while experiencing the inspiring architectural sites that Lisbon had to offer.
FRIDAY
After a very early start and 8am flight on Friday morning, we arrived in Lisbon and were greeted with glorious sunshine. We got checked into our hostel and commenced our tour of the city by exploring the surrounding Baixa District, taking in the grid city layout, cobbled streets, vast squares, hand painted and tiled facades, buildings with early anti-seismic technology, and a dominant neo-classical style.
Some of our favourite sites included the Art Deco Eden Hotel, Praca dos Restorades which celebrated Portuguese independence from the Spanish, Rossio Square, the Carmo Convent Ruins, and the very impressive wrought iron, Neo-Gothic Santa Justa Lift, which connects opposing districts between a steep hill.
We finished the day walking down the pedestrianised Rua Augusta which terminates in the Praca do Comercio, passing through the impressive Augusta Arch. We then enjoyed free time in the evening sun, drinking Sangria and Super Bock!
SATURDAY
We started Saturday off with a continental breakfast, before ‘setting sail’ to the Belem district along the waterfront. Here we enjoy sharp contemporary architecture, monuments and public realm.
The exciting Champalimuad Foundation was first up, with its stone floor surfaces and wall treatment, curved walls contrasting with sharp, ramped walkways, outdoor theatre space, infinity pool and vegetated courtyard visible from outside through voids in the façade.
We visited large monuments dedicated to the Portuguese military and their past maritime discoveries, before finishing the morning session at the superb MAAT museum. The museum contrasted the adjacent modernist power station, with a contemporary extension blending in with the landscape and addressing the water’s edge with tiered public realm and a roof terrace offering views across the river and back over the city.
We stopped for lunch before heading to the Alfama district, the old city where Castelo de Sao Jorge proudly sits. The uphill journey came to a sharp halt when we discovered that we couldn’t get into the castle grounds. However, this allowed us to explore the narrow winding mews streets, discovering small squares and spaces, and experiencing a different type of living in the city, with high level views across the city and river.
Saturday night was reserved for relaxation and team bonding with our colleagues. We had a fantastic company meal by the Santo Amaro Marina, underneath the 25 de Abril Bridge (an exact copy of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco) and overlooked by the Cristo Rei across the river.
SUNDAY
After checking out of the hostel, we made our way to the east of the city to the newer district of Parque das Nacoes, which was developed for the 1998 World Expo. ‘Futuristic’ architecture was in abundance with Orient Station, by world renowned Santiago Caltrava, being our first stop. A gentle walk along the water’s edge saw us take in the Alvaro Siza Pavillion and aquarium, before an impromptu cable car ride which gave us high level views over the district. We finished the tour off with a visit to the Torre Vasco da Gama, from which we could see the 10-mile Vasco da Gama bridge in the distance, and a leisurely return through the linear park with its greenery and wildlife.
Our Lisbon Study Trip was thoroughly enjoyed by all and we look forward to the next one in a new and exciting city!
