atelier bugio adapts graça funicular railway to lisbon's hilly terrain

Graça Funicular facilitates mobility across LIsbon’s steep streets

Atelier Bugio designs the iconic Graça Funicular in Lisbon following a typological continuity, integrating the cable railway into the city’s network of transport mechanisms adapted to its hilly terrain. Lisbon has a long-standing tradition of funiculars, elevators, and escalators facilitating movement across its steep streets. This project references the Bica Elevator, adopting a similar approach to functionality and urban integration.

At the lower level, on Rua dos Lagares, the funicular is accessed through a station building that extends the existing street facade. This building houses the equipment when not in operation and serves as a transition space for passengers. The funicular has two stops: one at the lower level on Rua dos Lagares and another at the upper level, near the end of Calçada da Graça. The upper stop is positioned slightly below the viewpoint, allowing the funicular to integrate into the street before beginning its descent.

all images by Alexander Bogorodskiy

Atelier Bugio’s design serves as continuation of the urban fabric

The lower station, designed as a continuation of the urban fabric, connects the funicular to the street through a double-height space. The funicular cabin is structured with two distinct sections: an opaque section containing the operational doors and an emergency exit, and a transparent section offering views of the adjacent convent enclosure, which is being transformed into a public garden. The route follows the convent’s boundary, ascending through the new green space before entering a curved tunnel beneath the viewpoint. Upon reaching Calçada da Graça, the funicular emerges onto the street, orienting its view toward Jardim Augusto Gil and the Tagus River.

This intervention by architectural studio Atelier Bugio establishes a connection between Graça Hill and the lower city while integrating with Lisbon’s historical and topographical context through careful spatial sequencing and material continuity.

the Graça Funicular integrates into Lisbon’s network of hillside transport

designed by Atelier Bugio, the funicular follows the city’s tradition of cable railways and elevators

the upper stop is positioned just below the viewpoint for smooth urban integration

the project establishes a new urban link between Graça Hill and the lower city

a curved tunnel allows the funicular to pass beneath the viewpoint

the station building serves as both storage and a reception space for passengers

a double-height entrance space serves as a transition point for passengers

the design balances functionality, material continuity, and historical context

spatial sequencing ensures seamless movement between urban levels

the funicular follows the convent boundary, offering a unique visual connection

the convent grounds are being transformed into a public garden along the funicular route

project info:

name: Graça Funicular
architect: Atelier Bugio | @atelierbugio

location: Lisbon, Portugal

photographer: Alexander Bogorodskiy | @photoshootportugal

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom