Lisboa, Portugal

Oriente Housing, Offices And Shops

PROMONTORIO

Photo: Fernando Guerra, courtesy of Promontòrio arquitectos

The design of the Oriente complex results from the merger in a single plot of two co-operatives and different programmes for housing, offices and shops. Set in one of the most infra-structured zones of the Expo98 precinct, facing the Boulevard of the Oceans and bordering the Portuguese Pavilion and the Museum of Science, the plot formerly occupied by theme pavilions during the World Exhibition, was later devised as a perimeter block divided approximately in half by the two co-operatives. Even tough this separation is total, that is from underground parking to the surface floors, it was nevertheless possible to create an understanding between the parties involved in regard to the public space and the compositional systems, so that the ensemble could be perceived as a single entity.

Photo: Fernando Guerra, courtesy of Promontòrio arquitectos

Complying with the legal constrains imposed by the Expo98 masterplan the buildings are set on a platform that functions as a commercial belt around the perimeter, the latter compulsorily shaped as an arcade on the elevations facing the boulevard. The housing building is set as a U on the platform level, permeated by an arched passage that generates a semi-enclosed patio allowing public access to the apartments. In the office building area this U-shaped typology is received at street level generating a large public plaza, crowned by a mezzanine at the platform level. On the latter, besides access to the offices, a number of restaurants and cafeterias produce a constant flow of public movement. A small services building, isolated on the East top of the platform functions as a counterpoise to both the missing slot of the arched passageway of the housing block and the public elevator tower on the opposite end of the plaza.

Photo: Fernando Guerra, courtesy of Promontòrio arquitectos

The wall construction system for both the housing and office facades is based on an insulated brick wall, protected by a ventilated fibber-cement panelling system. The surfacing of the peripheral beams of the floor slabs interrupts the stereotomy of the panels. In contrast with artificial nature of concrete and fibber-cement, the frames are made of solid redwood. The physical presence of the ensemble, however discreet and formally restrained, aims to establish a positive contrast with the multifarious plasticity of the surroundings.

Photo: Fernando Guerra, courtesy of Promontòrio arquitectos

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Oriente Housing, Offices And Shops