agência altura
agência altura
Description
Description
Description
The concept developed for the new Banco Espírito Santo Agency building in Altura was fundamentally based on creating an emblematic space by approaching the project not merely as the construction of a building but, above all, as the creation of an urban-scale space—a "square"—taking advantage of the site’s island-like location and configuration.
From the site visit, it became clear that Altura lacked a central space of quality that could fulfill the function of a “center.” The unregulated construction of buildings without apparent architectural value, a reflection of the rapid growth of unrefined tourism, had given the surrounding area the appearance of a “no man’s land.”
Once the plot was envisioned as a “square,” and this new public space was conceived as a reference point in Altura, the project gained a new scale.
The new construction of the small agency building would become an integral and inseparable part of the “central square.” This space would be oriented eastward, at an elevated level in relation to the surrounding streets, with access via ramps and walkways leading to the building.
The articulation between the building and the public space would be achieved through a transitional area—an expansive water mirror.
The building was designed as a sequence of opaque and transparent volumes, corresponding to a program of semi-private and public interior spaces, ensuring privacy while simultaneously framing views over the water mirror and the square.
Finally, the scale that would characterize the BES Agency as an institutional building was ensured by a large concrete portico covering the entire built ensemble, including the water mirror, projecting shadows over the space of the new “BES square.”
The approach to scale and color was an interesting challenge made possible through direct testing and collaboration with Viúva Lamego.
The green tile played a fundamental role in shaping the identity of the project, reinforcing the intended concept of a “brand-building,” where color and material became the main protagonists.
The agency building was clad in a special diamond-shaped tile pattern in four shades of green, enhancing its institutional presence and its role as the focal point of the square. A 14x14 cm tile, also in four shades of green, “painted” the interior of the portico and the water mirror.
The “unpredictability” of effects produced by the glazed and glossy tile allowed for striking reflections of green and gold light, dematerializing the built mass and casting shimmering colors onto the water surface and façades.
The concept developed for the new Banco Espírito Santo Agency building in Altura was fundamentally based on creating an emblematic space by approaching the project not merely as the construction of a building but, above all, as the creation of an urban-scale space—a "square"—taking advantage of the site’s island-like location and configuration.
From the site visit, it became clear that Altura lacked a central space of quality that could fulfill the function of a “center.” The unregulated construction of buildings without apparent architectural value, a reflection of the rapid growth of unrefined tourism, had given the surrounding area the appearance of a “no man’s land.”
Once the plot was envisioned as a “square,” and this new public space was conceived as a reference point in Altura, the project gained a new scale.
The new construction of the small agency building would become an integral and inseparable part of the “central square.” This space would be oriented eastward, at an elevated level in relation to the surrounding streets, with access via ramps and walkways leading to the building.
The articulation between the building and the public space would be achieved through a transitional area—an expansive water mirror.
The building was designed as a sequence of opaque and transparent volumes, corresponding to a program of semi-private and public interior spaces, ensuring privacy while simultaneously framing views over the water mirror and the square.
Finally, the scale that would characterize the BES Agency as an institutional building was ensured by a large concrete portico covering the entire built ensemble, including the water mirror, projecting shadows over the space of the new “BES square.”
The approach to scale and color was an interesting challenge made possible through direct testing and collaboration with Viúva Lamego.
The green tile played a fundamental role in shaping the identity of the project, reinforcing the intended concept of a “brand-building,” where color and material became the main protagonists.
The agency building was clad in a special diamond-shaped tile pattern in four shades of green, enhancing its institutional presence and its role as the focal point of the square. A 14x14 cm tile, also in four shades of green, “painted” the interior of the portico and the water mirror.
The “unpredictability” of effects produced by the glazed and glossy tile allowed for striking reflections of green and gold light, dematerializing the built mass and casting shimmering colors onto the water surface and façades.
Project Data
Project Data
Project Data
Project name: Agência altura
Location: Altura, Algarve
Construction area: 270m2
Date: 2005 – 2008
Client: Banco Espírito Santo
Fotography: FG + SG
Project name: Agência altura
Location: Altura, Algarve
Construction area: 270m2
Date: 2005 – 2008
Client: Banco Espírito Santo
Fotography: FG + SG
Tv. da condessa do Rio, 1B 1200-123 Lisboa
geral@anacosta.pt
Tv. da condessa do Rio, 1B 1200-123 Lisboa
geral@anacosta.pt
Tv. da condessa do Rio, 1B 1200-123 Lisboa
geral@anacosta.pt