Graça Funicular: A Modern Connection by Atelier Bugio

The Graça Funicular, designed by Atelier Bugio, introduces a contemporary yet historically rooted transportation solution to Lisbon’s iconic hills. Spanning 163 m², this project enhances urban mobility while maintaining a typological connection with the city’s traditional funiculars and elevators.

Reviving Lisbon’s Transport Legacy

Lisbon is known for its steep hills and historic funiculars, which have shaped the city’s mobility for centuries. Inspired by this legacy, the Graça Funicular seamlessly integrates with the urban landscape, connecting Rua dos Lagares at the lower level to Calçada da Graça at the upper level. Its design echoes the famous Bica Elevator, another iconic Lisbon funicular, ensuring efficiency and continuity in the city’s public transport network.

Seamless Urban Integration

At the lower station on Rua dos Lagares, the funicular is housed within a structure that extends the existing streetscape, creating a smooth transition between public space and transit infrastructure. The station functions as both a storage facility and a waiting area, ensuring an efficient passenger flow.

The funicular route follows a thoughtfully designed path:

• Lower station: Located on Rua dos Lagares, featuring a large public entrance.
• Ascending path: Runs alongside the Convent’s enclosure, currently being transformed into a public garden, offering passengers scenic views.
• Tunnel section: A curved passage beneath the viewpoint at Calçada da Graça, preserving the historical fabric of the area.
• Upper station: Positioned just below the viewpoint, providing access to Jardim Augusto Gil and breathtaking panoramas of the Tagus River.

A Functional and Aesthetic Approach

The funicular cabin is divided into two sections:

• Opaque section: Houses functional elements, including an emergency exit and passenger doors.
• Transparent section: Maximizes views of the Convent’s gardens, creating an immersive experience for riders.

This balance between functionality and design allows passengers to appreciate the urban landscape while ensuring smooth and reliable transportation.

Enhancing Sustainable Urban Mobility

The Graça Funicular is a key addition to Lisbon’s sustainable transport infrastructure, encouraging eco-friendly urban mobility while preserving the city's rich architectural and cultural heritage. By integrating modern technology with historic typologies, Atelier Bugio reinforces Lisbon’s identity as a city where tradition and innovation coexist.

All Photographs are works of Alexander Bogorodskiy