© Armando Ribeiro
- Architects: Paula Santos Arquitectura
- Location: Coimbra, Portugal
- Area: 5300.0 m2
- Project Year: 2007
- Photographs: Armando Ribeiro, Luís Ferreira Alves
- Collaborators: António Feio, Nuno Silva, Joaquim Santana, Ricardo Granja, Joana Delgado
© Luís Ferreira Alves
From the architect. two issues: the topographical gradient and the use to which the module is to be put, that is, bedrooms measuring 2.55m x 5.80m. This module comprises living areas, sets of 6, 8 or 12 associated rooms. This being the main feature of the programme, these modules defined the compositional regulation of the entire building. Every other feature was conditioned to this exhaustive repetition.
© Armando Ribeiro
In addition to the modular repetition, the building is absolutely symmetrical from the axis, the central corridor. This symmetry is deliberate in order to allow for placing the residential units to the north or to the south, depending on the best sources of light on the different floors.
© Armando Ribeiro
The uneven surface of the site is resolved into four floors, unaligned two by two, with the central corridor being the hinge. In this case the non-alignment, which makes the two lower floors advance, allows for the creation of a courtyard at the -2 floor level.
Planta
Elevation
Between slabs, the panels of prefabricated concrete and the frames create a rhythm of openings which afford a view to the outside of shared areas by means of the use of bright colours on the walls and floors.
© Luís Ferreira Alves