Ramalde Sports Park ‌. Porto

A modern sports complex revitalizing Ramalde's athletic facilities.

The Ramalde Sports Park, situated in the heart of Porto's Ramalde Residential Unit, represents a significant intervention in the northern half of the park. This ambitious project, designed by Domitianus Arquitetura, includes the construction of a new field for rugby and football, along with a support building featuring locker rooms, a covered stand, and dedicated areas for athletics and archery. The park spans an impressive 5 hectares and was originally designed by architect Fernando Távora between 1952 and 1960.

The new playing field serves as the structural centerpiece of the intervention, carefully positioned to meet the functional requirements of various sports. Surrounding this central field, the remaining program areas are thoughtfully organized to enhance the . The support building is designed to harmonize with the topography, revealing its volume progressively towards the southern end, where the main entrance is located. This entrance is complemented by a bar that opens onto a welcoming covered porch.

A standout feature of the complex is the large platform above the building, which provides access to the covered stand, strategically positioned to align with the playing field. Inside, the building houses multiple functional areas, including five locker rooms, a multipurpose hall, administrative offices, a medical post, and sanitary facilities. The interior spaces are organized around a central atrium, resulting from the geometric articulation of the overall design.

The roof of the stand is constructed from reinforced concrete, featuring a continuous prestressed beam supported by pillars spaced approximately fifteen meters apart. The cantilevered roof, with its dual slopes, imparts a pavilion-like architectural expression, seamlessly integrating with the natural surroundings and existing trees. This design approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also helps to mitigate the visual discontinuities that have developed over time on the site.