João Mendes Square and 7 de Setembro Square have a large concentration of historic buildings and a symbolic and articulating function in the historic center. The importance of the expansion and valorization of public spaces and heritage assets is amplified by the fact that it is a region where hundreds of thousands of people pass, occupied by mixed uses buildings, low-income housing, and a large concentration of ZEIS, enabling the densification of housing in the area.

The proposal unifies the João Mendes square, currently split, through the reinforcement of tree alignments, lighting systems, paving and lanes, gaining a 200-meter long frontage in the East-West direction. This new square functions as an expansion of the Sé Square. With the subtle correction of the alignments of João Mendes Avenue, it becomes possible to increase the width of the sidewalk at the point of greatest bottleneck, behind the Sé Cathedral. A rougher paving, distinct from the asphalt, suggests a priority area for pedestrians. The relocation of the pedestrian crosswalks and traffic lights strengthens the sense of connection between the squares, making them function as an extension of the Praça da Sé and Onze de Agosto alleys, transformed into pacified streets.