The transformation of the marketplace into a Platform for Arts and Creativity (Guimarães, Portugal) by Pitagoras Group, allowed for the physical and functional reintegration into the urban fabric, to become a reality and to recover one key area of the city space.
In the functional program for both the new and the existing buildings, three major areas were defined:
– Art Center, which houses a permanent collection, in this case the Collection of José Guimarães; temporary exhibition area; a multipurpose space for additional activities, performances and shows; a series of complementary services.
– Creative Labs (business support offices) for the reception and installation of activities related to creative industries.
– Workshops to Support Emerging Creativity, consisting of workspaces and creative vocation for young creators in various areas, hoping to develop projects on a temporary basis.
The whole structure, according to the program would complement the existing equipment in the city, as well as those which are under development within the European Capital of Culture. When interpreting the program, Pitagoras Group aimed to allow for the possibility of each one of its components to function independently and simultaneously, creating accesses to each of the various services and support areas, as well as to the outdoor square and garden.
They opted for a methodology of intervention that involves the rehabilitation of the existing building to the east, keeping the materials and textures, but redoing the entire inside at level 0. For the building at north, and for reasons previously mentioned, the façade towards the Avenue, which characterizes the building, is renovated, but its interior and façade facing the square were object of and almost complete demolition and redesign.
Although it is intended to maintain the scale and the existing formal relations, Pitagoras Group proposes a new solution for the building that promotes a strong relationship with the square and emphasizes the relationship of this structure with the outer space.
Images courtesy of João Morgado
Discover: www.pitagorasgroup.com
