Shading Surface and Café

Project description

After a first site visit, and understanding the dynamics of the referred plan, we became aware of the necessity of conceiving three elements of a common character, but with different functions and problematics. We became aware, that these three small interventions, resulting from the resolution of the area’s objective problem, should simplify themselves inside the complexity of the context. Therefore, we looked to design three “silent architecture” buildings under the invigorating motto - “Nothing new under the sun”.

The solution to the problem seemed to be in the so-called fifth elevation (roof plan) which came to be a determining element in the way in which to resolve the different plans and visual elongation of the street to the north (in the cases of the Cafeteria and Tabacco Shop), and in the Shading Surface, in which it is assumed as a reference to the square.

Although the building's plot is discreet, the space in between the horizontal plans, ceiling and floor, is intensively explored, using natural light and sloped tensioned floor slabs.

Regarding the shading surface, the pixelation of its roof with a modular non-axial orientation and the correspondent play of light made it become the key element of the urban project and a reference spot to the inhabitants.