Constructing Miniature Portugal: A Modern Scale Model
Portugal dos Pequenitos, the miniature park located in Coimbra, Portugal, is set to expand and modernize, with a focus on contemporary architecture. The project, estimated to cost seven million euros, aims to harmoniously integrate the new buildings with the surrounding garden, while also promoting biodiversity.
The expansion project involves the collaboration of five renowned architects: Álvaro Siza Vieira, Eduardo Souto Moura, Rem Koolhaas (represented by Ellen Van Loon and Nuno Rosado), Luís Pedro Silva, and João Pedro Falcão de Campos. These architects have come together to create a coherent and sustainable discourse on water, as well as to find a balance and establish a compromise regarding scale and site layout.
The original park, created by Álvaro Siza Vieira in the 1940s-1950s, showcases miniature representations of Portuguese landmarks and cultural icons. The expansion will continue this tradition, but will also go beyond mere representation, aiming to blend traditional Portuguese cultural elements with innovative contemporary architectural approaches.
The preliminary plan for the expansion was created by architects Frederico Vital Soares and Eduardo Costa Pinto. The project is expected to begin this year or in early 2026, and will see Portugal dos Pequenitos park expanding by approximately one hectare.
As the park celebrates its 85th year of activity, this expansion project promises to breathe new life into the beloved miniature park, offering visitors a unique blend of tradition and modernity. For more detailed information about the architectural concept or design philosophy behind the expansion, as well as the exact collaboration among these five architects, project documents and up-to-date sources should be consulted.
The expansion project at Portugal dos Pequenitos, scheduled to start this year or in early 2026, will see acclaimed architects collaborating to create a modern home-and-garden setting for the miniature park. This lifestyle-focused overhaul aims to uphold traditional Portuguese culture while incorporating innovative architectural styles, providing a unique experience for visitors.
