Paradiso, a small city on the edge of Lugano, lies between the Lake of Lugano and the iconic mountain San Salvatore. The town lacks a public connection to the lake for several reasons. It is built atop a stone protection wall several meters above water level; the shore is largely in shadow during the winter months, and the presence of mainly private properties along the shore have rendered a public promenade, until now, impossible.

The competition for a Lungolago, or shoreline promenade, is hence intended to strengthen this connection between Paradiso and the lake, creating a public space along the shore.

In the winning design proposal, a strong, generous gesture gives the heterogeneous, fragmented urban context a clear identity, while simultaneously ecologically enhancing the shore and a new harbour that anchors the new ‘Passeggiata al lago’. The relationship between water and land is strengthened and choreographed into an eclectic offering of experiences that bring visitors towards the water, along the water, at the water and on the water.

Three main elements are used to create these settings: Belvedere, Passeggiate and Giardini.

Belvedere: Perpendicular to the shoreline, a series of Belvedere, or small raised plazas, spatially structure the promenade. Historically, these belvedere were placed along the shore of the lake for visitors to enjoy the dramatic views of Lugano, the lake and the mountains. Each new belvedere is given a name, special identity and use. A small, site-specific structure placed on each of them supports their identity and programme.

Passeggiate: Two paths structure the height difference between the city and lake. The main road above the lake, ‘Passeggiata a monte’ is integrated into the design for cyclists and pedestrians. The form of the ‘Passeggiata a lago’ playfully responds to the many spatial constraints, such as difficult connections, private ownership, boating and swimming demands.

Giardini di Paradiso: At a height between the raised Belvedere and the low-lying Passeggiate, the gardens also possess a unique name, identity and use. The exotic plant palette of Ticino is used here to create visual compositions similar to those of landscape painting. The sunny backdrop of lake and mountains is framed in each garden by the silhouette of the lush local vegetation.