June 15, 2009
Architect: Alvaro Siza
Date: 1987-1994
Location: Porto, Portugal
This small school is situated on a hillside in Porto. The school centers around a triangular plaza.
Porto School of Architecture
Porto School of Architecture from above
The main building is the administration and library. This building is the largest on campus and sits at the back of the lot.
Administration Building
Entry to Administration Building
One of the most interesting parts is how the building used ramps to get you up the two levels from the plaza to the library entry. The most interesting ramp is one that wraps around a presentation space.
Ramp in administration building
The main buildings are set in a row at the front of the property and provide the location for classes.
Main Class Buildings
On interesting feature about this entire complex is that there is a series of connecting corridors between all the buildings.
Connecting Hallway
Siza is know for his details and it was in this hallway that we saw one of the best on this project. Under a stair from the courtyard down to street level he carved out a nook that would normally have been left covered.
Stair Detail
This school was very interesting to see because every part of the campus was designed by one architect.
Tags: Alvaro Siza, Porto, School