Week 6 - Study Trip

Porto, Portugal

Our first aim for this week was to explore the architecture and urban fabric of Porto and develop an understanding of the systems which define the city. We studied some of the major architectural sites within the city, including works by Alvaro Siza and Rem Koolhaus. The second aim was to find potential opportunities within the urban fabric, key areas where our research could focus on to improve the quality of life of the locals in the area. Lastly, for those with projects in Portugal, was to find sites for their individual projects.

As well as the historic informal patterns in both the architecture and urban fabric of the city, we were struck by the number of dilapidated and disused sites across the city, even within bustling tourist hubs.

Alvar Aalto

Visiting the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art we explored many exhibitions showcasing local and international art and design projects. Most significant was the Alvar Aalto exhibition which displayed many of the Finnish architect's original models, products and drawings.

Alvaro Siza

We took a trip to The Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto (FAUP), designed and built between 1985 and 1996 by the Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza a former student of the school.

Rem Koolhaas

Designed by Rem Koolhaas in 2005, the project looms over its surroundings, dominating its immediate vicinity and firmly establishes itself as a major landmark in the city. The concert hall incorporates unique features like sound insulated corrugated glass and features a 1300-seat auditorium suffused with daylight, it is the only concert hall in the world with two walls made entirely of glass. We had a very critical group discussion that evening about whether a concept should take precedence over context when designing a building, as it does at the Casa da Musica.

Searching for sites

With numerous gap sites and abandoned buildings Porto had many opportunities for retrofit and a need for intervention in these areas. Along the picturesque waterfront many buildings seen across the river Duoro are no longer used, with only their facade remaining.