Winery Quinta do Portal, by Álvaro Siza, 2008 - in Sabrosa, Portugal
The Quinta do Portal Winery commissioned Álvaro Siza to design a project aimed at turning their winery into a landmark destination on wine tourism routes. The result is an enclosed space which fits perfectly into its natural surroundings.
House for the elderly people, by Aires Mateus, 2008-2010 - in Alcácer do Sal, Portugal
The façade is reminiscent of a checkerboard, with its white surface punctured at intervals by recesses to shade its glazing.
The long building meanders over the site, rising and falling with the topography of the landscape.
A surrounding landscaped garden reaches up to the roof of at some parts, giving access to the top of the building.
Interpretation Center, by Ana Vasconcelos - in São Jorge Island, Azores, Portugal
House of Agostos, by Pedro Domingos, 2011 - Santa Barbara-de-Nexe, Faro, Portugal
The transformative substance of this project consists of a parcel of land that is integrated into the agricultural system of Barrocal and a small house in ruins. The ruin of traditional genesis, displays the characteristics of the vernacular architecture of the Algarve. The strategy consists on clarifying the limits of the central space of property - a void enclosed by the ruin and the “hedges” and the upland trees.
Nossa Senhora das Necessidades Church, by Célia Faria and Inês Cortesão, 2011 - in Chãs, Leiria, Portugal
The intervention is based on a building previously constructed, where the interior was unfinished. We started with the idea of “building the silence”: in a world full of noise, the church represents a break, a moment of rest, peace and meditation. The strong spiritual character is present but doesn’t intimidate, it gives a sense of protection. The selection of materials, the way of moulding both natural and artificial light and the absence of images had the purpose of achieving harmony, a primarily condition in order to assure silence.
Our Lady of Conception Chapel (Brennand Chapel), by Paulo Mendes da Rocha, 2006 - in Recife, Brazil
The project is an incredible revitalization of an old abandoned chapel made of brick-and-stone, with a floating roof that don´t touch the original walls, supported by two pillars.
Fasano Las Piedras Hotel, by Isay Weinfeld, 2008 - in Punta del Este, Uruguay
Miyake Design Studio Gallery, by Shigeru Ban, 1994 - in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
The building’s plan is based upon the Grecian agora - a space created simply by columns and shade. The outer row of paper tubes cast striped shadows across the floor, which change during the day, and provide a sense of animation. The ceiling casts a curved shadow on the paper tube and chairs were created specifically for this space.
Saint Francis de Sales Church, by Marcel Breuer, 1966 - in Muskegon, Michigan, USA
Known for his curving Brutalist forms, Breuer employed a hyperbolic paraboloid with angled openings for function daylighting. A massive cross relief sits below a cantilevered belfry.
