Following the successful approval of the Barreiro masterplan commissioned in 1993, Terry Farrell & Partners/Ideias do Futoro were commissioned by Caminhos de Ferro Portugeses (CP) to design a new ferry station building.

The resulting design incorporated urban and waterfront faces, with the frontage facing the main square given a more ‘urban’ treatment, and interior spaces opening up to extensive views of the waterfront. The double span roof structure designed with Battle McCarthy optimised structural efficiency, reducing the weight of the steelwork, and allowed for appropriate foundations to be constructed in difficult ground conditions. A central line of columns defined the organisation of circulation movement and retail placement. A light and air slot was installed which was intended to maximise light and ventilation into the centre of the building, therefore reducing its potentially oppressive nature effected due to its 32 metre enclosure length.