This presentation provides an analysis of the processes of urban planning transformation proposed for Lisbon Region, by Étienne de Groër, in mid twentieth century. In particularly it regards the role of the green spaces in the urban planning and urban design of Groër’s proposal. Secondly, it examines the implications of such spatial outcomes on the contemporary Region of Lisbon, while identifying possible opportunities to rethink the green areas in present and future urban planning policies and urban design agendas, guided by Sustainability concerns. In order to do so, the conceptual and the spatial outcomes (urban and territorial design solutions) for the planning proposal of Lisbon and its Region, as proposed by Étienne de Groër between 1930’s and 1950’s are here examined and compared to its current situation. Groër was an architect-urbanist of Polish-Russian origin which was formed at the IUUP in Paris and was contracted by the Portuguese Minister of Public Works and the City Council of Lisbon to delineate the Plans for the New City of Lisbon and its Region. The context that frames this presentation is grounded on the recognition that the great acceleration process, which implicated a new geologic era, the Anthropocene, dates to the end of the first half of twentieth century. A period of time when urban design and the study of urban form (urban morphology) also emerged as new scientific disciplines to cope and respond to the major societal issues imposed by contemporary problematics; which affected most urban areas (such as the provision of housing, mobility, sanitary and water infrastructures). Furthermore, such knowledge was fundamental to provide a creative context of new urban form solutions, inclunding for green areas. Yet, today, the request for Sustainability and the emergence of a number of related agendas (The Agenda 21, The Milan Agreement, Urban Agenda Habitat III, among others) do confirm the lack of sufficient urban design (urban form) solutions to counteract urban planning through the use of green areas. Finally, this presentation aims to reflect on the role of green areas to rethink a sustainable transition of contemporary urban planning and design approaches.

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Etienne de Groer,Lisbon,Urban History,Urban Planning