About

In Lisbon city gardens are created in the most unlikely places, in front of a doorway, in an alleyway, on a step. It is an opportunity to nurture a little green space in a city of hardscape. Moving from the more densely built neighborhoods, there are pockets of green space turned into city hortas, vegetable gardens eked out on the side of a hill or an unused plot. Having the New York east village community garden as a precedent, now in Lisbon I see how each city co-opts space to grow things.

I also collect images of Lisbon’s decorated buildings. Historically Lisbon’s buildings were adorned  with decorative arts, colorful tiles, painted metalwork, ornate carpentry and ceramic murals. The streets are also a gallery of complex stonework and patterns. Mostly these are the remaining signs of past eras which emphasized the ornamentation of the city. People also add to the embellishment of the exterior of the buildings, greening their terraces with flowering plants.

I am a Irish landscape architect living in Lisbon. This photo blog mainly focuses on urban design, landscape architecture, cultural heritage and city planning.  Lastly I have for many years photographed the neon signs and storefronts of Lisbon that form an integral part of the city’s visual cultural heritage before they disappear forever.