Portugal

ARCHITECTURE COMPETITION

Register: OCT/21/2019, Submit: OCT/26/2019, Eligibility: Architecture students (undergraduate, graduate, master, PhD), young architects and professionals with a degree in architecture studies (≤ 40 years old); individually, (multidisciplinary) teams up to 4 member (architecture students, young architects or  professionals, landscape architects, urban designers, artists, etc.), Fee: 60 EUR + VAT = 73.80 EUR (JUL/08 – SEP/09/2019), 75 EUR + VAT = 92.25 EUR (SEP/10 – OCT/10/2019), 90 EUR + VAT = 110.70 EUR (OCT/11 – OCT/21/2019); VAT 23%, Awards: 1st Prize 2,000 EUR, 2nd Prize 1,000 EUR, 3rd Prize 500 EUR, 7 Honorable Mentions

This international architecture ideas competition is for the design of a  located near the ‘Aldeia da Mata’ dolmen, in Crato, Alentejo, Portugal. The ‘Aldeia da Mata’ dolmen is a landmark of great cultural heritage and historical significance with characteristics that must be fully preserved. When generating a vision for an intervention located within such a spectacular place, it is essential that each design proposal emphasises, respects and celebrates the megalithic monument, while providing visitors with a unique experience.

ARCHITECTURE PROJECT

Location: Quarteira, Portugal
Architects: Corpo Atelier
Photographs: Ricardo Oliveira Alves

Empty plots of similar shapes and sizes are aligned along a golf course, setting a frame for new urbanization of detached houses. Nothing was built. Due to the degree of uncertainty regarding future constructions, the house becomes introverted. Two white walls (almost) completely withdraw any direct contact from future neighbors, setting clear boundaries. Between them, an architectural inner landscape of cubic shapes, each arranging a single function, provides a sense of security and protection while carefully framing the distant landscape. Only a horizontal volume, containing the swimming pool, contradicts this logic projecting itself to the South, emerging from the walls to offer a possibility of volunteered exposure, for a brief moment, before returning to the house.