Architecture is often considered a social art of function adjustment that seeks an implicit idea of permanence and formal consistency. This usually results in a demand for a creation that sustains the progress of time in an attitude of survival and maturation. However, on this intervention by architecture firms FREE and OODA, the building’s integration and urban landscape was based on the awareness of the direct relationship that the site has with works by internationally renowned architects (SANAA and Alcino Soutinho) and in compliance with the heterogeneity of the surrounding urban fabric. Thus, the building assumes its identity but deliberately quiet and in continuity with the pre-existence. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The building reacts to the urban environment in the organization of its program taking into account that, on one hand, public spaces are placed on the side facing the streets, and on the other, more private spaces are located on the portion of the building facing the opposite side where there is a sports facility and existing park.
The access to the building is from the center and is controlled by the front office and reception area in the central double-height area that is assumed as a hinge between the two levels. At the foyer of the auditorium, following the entry, there is the restaurant and cafeteria to serve as support for specific events or cocktails.
On the level above, classrooms are on opposite sides of the plant with the aim to promote and increase the cross-circulation in the building that seeks to build a climate of exchange and gathering of students and teachers. It is precisely why the corridors are more generous and wide so that you can leverage the relationships and networking in the elaboration / discussion of projects that begin in school, even for MBA students.
Architects: FREE/Fernando Romero + OODA Location: Porto, Portugal Project Team: FREE – Fernando Romero, Sergio Rebelo, Astrid Rovisco Suzano, Andreia Teixeira, Hector Romero; OODA – Diogo Brito, Rodrigo Vilas-boas, Francisco Lencastre, Francisca Lopes dos Santos Status: International competition Engineering: GEG, Porto
