The block that contains the lot is complex due to its location in the busy Largo do Rato square in Lisbon.
The project provided an opportunity to design an interior that seamlessly blends with the exterior, encouraging visitors and inhabitants to explore the various volumes and appreciate the distinct architecture of the location. By incorporating large openings in the new volumes, visitors and inhabitants can catch a glimpse of a second landscape, which combines natural and built elements. The rhythm of the gaps is indicated by their intensity and signals the occurrence of spaces, which may be more or less private.
During the exploration of the area, visitors and residents are presented with various leisure spaces, including a tree-filled square that provides a range of shades, scents, and colours.
The aim of the project was not to overcrowd the block with buildings, but rather to create public spaces that complement the existing structures. This was achieved by constructing additional volumes that enhance the private and public interior. The project also sought to extend key communication axes between the block’s interior and exterior, while emphasising the surrounding architecture.
The exercise demonstrated the need to create homes for young families, elderly individuals, and renters. Six typologies were proposed to address this need. The houses were designed to provide ample storage and leisure areas, both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, they were carefully planned to maximize natural light.