Uploaded on 2014-12-08 by JoseFigueira

![Avenida dos Aliados, Downtown Porto][1] The Allies Avenue (*Avenida dos Aliados*) in Porto is a thoroughfare running north-south, with a central concourse and boulevard open from the old urban fabric in early 20th century, and redesigned, with the construction of an underground metro station, by Siza Vieira in 2006. 1 - A boulevard with 3 lanes on each side and a central concourse intersects several smaller streets, with several bus and tram lines starting there, or simply crossing it. At lunch time, there's still a medium level of traffic, regulated by traffic lights and street signs, as well as a residual amount of foot traffic. The buildings, in granite, reflect 1910s aesthetics, particularly those preceding the "School of Porto" architectural style. The street and concourses are made of different types of parallelepiped blocks of granite, shaded by trees of medium size. 2 - Two invisible information here could be the temperature (approximately 25ºC) and traffic data (even though the underground station is situated between two major exchange stations, it's one of the most used throughout the day, aided by the importance of the avenue as headquarters for financial institutions in Porto, as a thoroughfare for both public and private transport, and for being the "meeting place" for locals, and "visiting room" for tourists here. 3 - Choosing the traffic data, this information has already been used as a catalyst for urban renewal here. Siza Viera's project turned central and outlying concourses, with decayed gardens and trees blocking views of buildings, into functional meeting places, for either small groups or crowds during celebrations (eg: New Years Eve), providing chairs, shades that don't block views for tourists, access to underground public transportation, and organization above ground, etc. [1]: http://oi59.tinypic.com/ve9naa.jpg