Layers, Magic Carpet & Cubes Public Art Installation

In the northern Portuguese city of Chaves, where water, Roman heritage, and craftsmanship intertwine, Layers, Magic Carpet & Cubes reimagines the city’s visual and cultural identity through color, pattern, and light.

The installation invited residents and visitors to explore, discover, and engage with the urban environment in new ways. Layers featured 800m² of blue-and-white fabric ribbons symbolizing the flow of the Tâmega River, introducing movement, rhythm, and shade to the urban landscape. Magic Carpet incorporated 8,820 iridescent patterned squares inspired by traditional tiles and Roman mosaics, which changed with natural light, creating a dynamic, ever-evolving visual experience. Cubes, a series of 780 suspended cubes, combined contemporary geometry with motifs drawn from local iconography, representing the continuous evolution of Chaves’ identity.

Each element was handcrafted by the Impactplan team and local artisans, making every ribbon, square, and cube unique. Visitors were encouraged to interact, photograph, and share their experiences, while local businesses joined in with custom decals. The project revitalized the historic center, attracted visitors, boosted commerce, and fostered civic pride, demonstrating how locally made public art can create meaningful, memorable, and lasting experiences.