Pombal Castle's visitor centre by COMOCO
28/11/2014.
COMOCO ARQUITECTOS. [Pombal] Portugal
metalocus, ALEX DURO
metalocus, ALEX DURO
The castle of the Portuguese city of Pombal is on the top of a hill overlooking the valley of the Arunca river. The hill has been occupied since the time of the Roman empire. The castle testifies to the power of time as the main contributor for the transformation of the built environment. From a small provincial community, it evolved to a vital defensive structure in a territorial network of military apparatus, and eventually became a touristic destination and an identifying device for the region.
Aereal view. Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Photography © FG+SG – Fotografia de Arquitectura.
View at dusk. Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Photography © FG+SG – Fotografia de Arquitectura.
Stairs. Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Photography © FG+SG – Fotografia de Arquitectura.
Outside vision. Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Photography © FG+SG – Fotografia de Arquitectura.
Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Photography © FG+SG – Fotografia de Arquitectura.
Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Photography © FG+SG – Fotografia de Arquitectura.
Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Photography © FG+SG – Fotografia de Arquitectura.
Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Photography © FG+SG – Fotografia de Arquitectura.
Aerial vision. Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Photography © FG+SG – Fotografia de Arquitectura.
Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Photography © FG+SG – Fotografia de Arquitectura.
Stairs. Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Photography © FG+SG – Fotografia de Arquitectura.
Stairs. Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Photography © FG+SG – Fotografia de Arquitectura.
Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Photography © FG+SG – Fotografia de Arquitectura.
Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Photography © FG+SG – Fotografia de Arquitectura.
Inner vision. Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Photography © FG+SG – Fotografia de Arquitectura.
Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Photography © FG+SG – Fotografia de Arquitectura.
Site plan. Context urban. Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Image © courtesy of Comoco Arquitectos.
Site plan. Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Image © courtesy of Comoco Arquitectos.
Castle. Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Image © courtesy of Comoco Arquitectos.
Ground floor plan. Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Image © courtesy of Comoco Arquitectos.
Roof floor plan. Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Image © courtesy of Comoco Arquitectos.
Cross section. Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Image © courtesy of Comoco Arquitectos.
Elevation. Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Image © courtesy of Comoco Arquitectos.
Elevation. Pombal Castle's visitor centre by ComocElevation. Pombal Castle's visitor centre by Comoco Arquitectos. Image © courtesy of Comoco Arquitectos.o Arquitectos. Image © courtesy of Comoco Arquitectos. Click above to see larger image.
After designing the reorganization of Pombal castle’s hill, Comoco Arquitectos were commissioned to design a visitor centre for the castle’s ward, including the landscaping of the area and the revitalization of the amenities already installed in the Torre de Menagem (the castle’s keep). The design strategy for the new Pombal Castle's visitors centre is focused on the integration of a deliberately ambiguous element among the pre-existing ones, taking advantage of the unbeatable location of the proposal in which the Pombal Castle is placed.
Description of project by Comoco Arquitectos
The castle of the Portuguese city of Pombal testifies to the power of time as the main contributor for the transformation of the built environment. The top of a hill overlooking the valley of the Arunca river has been occupied since the time of the Roman empire, and since then performed multiple roles and configured very many spatial and social practices. From a small provincial community, it evolved to a vital defensive structure in a territorial network of military apparatus, and eventually became a touristic destination and an identifying device for the region. After designing the reorganization of Pombal castle's hill, comoco arquitectos were commissioned the design of a visitor centre for the castle’s ward, including the landscaping of the area and the revitalization of the amenities already installed in the Torre de Menagem (the castle’s keep).
The main challenge of the commission was the definition of a design strategy that could live up to the richness of the castle's multi-layered history, without being neither ostensive nor subdued, i.e. finding its voice among the very many built artifacts that populate that space. To be sure, we understand these artifacts, most of them ruins or derelicts of the past, as parts of the collective memory that we would like to critically preserve and, furthermore, to enhance. This was the drive that established the fundamental principles that guided our design approach.
The design strategy for the landscaping of the castle's ward and for the revitalization of the castle's keep was relatively straightforward. As for the earlier, we recuperated the still-existing pavements in limestone cobbles and filled in the remnant parts with gravel. In the latter, we introduced minor changes to the railings in the cor-ten steel volume and designed the layout and furniture to the exhibition spaces that occupy the rooms of the tower. The main challenge of the commission was designing the new volume to accommodate the visitor centre. The brief for this amenity stated that it should offer three spaces: a reception for the visitors, a room to screen a virtual history of the castle and a storage area.
As the area of the castle's ward is relatively small (1200 m2), and populated with many elements, introducing a new volume implied an inevitable confrontation with the existing elements that define that space. At any event, this circumstance became the driving force to develop the project's main idea. We thought of the new volume as an object that should embody some ambiguity: on the one hand it should seamlessly mingle with the exiting features in the castle's ward, and on the other hand it should become a conspicuous new addition to the existing built structures. In other words, we sought for a creative dialogue with the situation "as found," attempting to take advantage of the new construction to activate dormant spatial experiences.
The program was compacted to the minimum and the volume was shaped in such a way as to make it a spatial device inspired by the tectonics of the castle's stone masonry, especially the stairs connecting the platforms inside the castle’s precinct. In fact, the new volume creates a new platform that enables the access to the level of the 16th century Manuelino-style windows pierced on the southwest side of the castle's curtain wall. It creates a liminal space that re-enacts the spatial experience of the castle as a device to exert control over the landscape at the same time that it performs as a safe haven for those looking for protection from the threat of the unknown.
Our design strategy for Pombal castle's visitor centre pursues a deliberate ambiguous condition between a topographical feature - a limestone monolith, and an amiable wanderer, a stranger in search of a welcoming new home to rest.
TECHNICAL SHEET.-
Architects.- Luís Miguel Correia, Nelson Mota e Susana Constantino.
Dates.- Project / Construction.- 2011-2014.
Site Area.- 1.200 sqm.
Structural Engineering, Hidraulic and Acoustics.- ABL – Gabinete de Projectos Lda.
Electric devices.- Luís Ribeiro.
Mechanical devices.- João Gonçalves Madeira da Silva.
Contractors.- ALVAPE, Construção e Obras Públicas, Lda.
Client.- Pombal Municipality.
Photography © FG+SG – Fotografia de Arquitectura.
More information
Nelson Mota, Susana Constantino, Luís Miguel Correia. COMOCO
Nelson Mota (Mesão-Frio, 1973). Architect, graduated from the Department of Architecture at the University of Coimbra (DARQ|UC). Currently holds a position as lecturer and researcher at the TU Delft with a special focus on the interwoven relation between modernity, housing and identity.
Tutor of seminars and design studios in the pedagogical activities of the Chair Architecture and Dwelling at the Faculty of Architecture – TU Delft. Invited scholar in the postgraduate course of The Berlage Center for Advanced Studies in Architecture and Urban Design. Previously, held positions as lecturer in Architectural Design at the EUAC (Universitary School of Arts of Coimbra) and at DARQ|UC. He is currently finishing a PhD at the TU Delft, on the topic of Housing Design, Modernity and the Vernacular.
Holds a post-graduation Master in Architecture, Territory and Memory from the DARQ|UC since 2006, with the dissertation “A Arquitectura do Quotidiano. Privado e público no espaço doméstico da burguesia portuense no final do século XIX” (Everyday Architecture. Privacy and publicity in the domestic space of Porto’s bourgeoisie at the end of the 19th century). Professional experience as an architect with projects designed and built in different categories such as housing, rehabilitation of civic spaces, commercial and public buildings and ephemeral constructions. Winner and short-listed in several academic and professional prizes. Among them, winner of the 1st Távora Prize in 2006, winner of the “Alexandre Herculano” 2003 National Architectural Prize, and winner of the 2013 National Prize for Architecture in Wood. In 2010 has published the book “A Arquitectura do Quotidiano”, Coimbra: Edarq, 2010. Finalist in the FAD Prize 2011 category Though and Criticism.
Susana Constantino (Braga 1974). Architect from the Department of Architecture (d|arq) of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra (1992-1999). Master in Rehabilitation of the Built Environment (d|arq and Department of Civil Engineering FCTUC), 2009, with the dissertation “Arquitectura de Cine-Teatros: evolução e registo [1927-1945]. Equipamentos Culturais e de lazer em Portugal no Estado Novo” (The architecture of Cine-Teatros: evolution and register [1927-1945]. Cultural and Leisure Equipments in Portugal at the Estado Novo).
Tutor at the Mindelo International Urban Rehabilitation Seminar – Cap Vert, organised by Centro de Estudos do Departamento de Arquitectura da FCTUC (CeArq), Atelier MAR e Mindelo Escola Internacional de Arte (M_EIA). Published article “No centro: desenho da frente de mar” na revista ecdj, nº10 “Reabilitação Urbana – Mindelo”, March 2007. In 2010 has published the book “Arquitectura de Cine Teatros: Evolução e Registo [1927—1959] Equipamentos de cultura e lazer em Portugal no Estado Novo”, Coimbra: Almedina, 2010.
Luís Miguel Correia (Coimbra, 1970). Architect from the Department of Architecture of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra (DARQ|FCTUC). Master in Building Science from the Department of Civil Engineering (FCTUC), with the dissertation “Castelos em Portugal. Retrato do seu perfil arquitectónico [1509-1949]” (Castles in Portugal. A portrait of its architectural profile [1509-1949]).
Currently pursues a Ph.D at DARQ|FCTUC on the theme “Relação entre o monumento e o lugar. As Zonas Especiais de Protecção” (Relation between Monument and Place. Heritage’s special protection areas). Has several papers and lectures delivered at national and international conferences, mainly within the research field of heritage, territory and landscape. Teaching Assistant at DARQ|FCTUC in the chairs of Architectural Project and Architectural Research Seminar.
Author and co-author of several projects on different categories such as housing, rehabilitation of civic spaces, commercial and public buildings and ephemeral constructions. Special reference to projects developed for heritage buildings and sites in collaboration with the former Portuguese Architectural Heritage Institute and General Board for the Buildings and National Monuments. Winner and short-listed in several prizes. In 2010 has published the book “Castelos em Portugal. Retrato do seu perfil arquitectónico [1509-1949]”, Coimbra: Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra, 2010.
Tutor of seminars and design studios in the pedagogical activities of the Chair Architecture and Dwelling at the Faculty of Architecture – TU Delft. Invited scholar in the postgraduate course of The Berlage Center for Advanced Studies in Architecture and Urban Design. Previously, held positions as lecturer in Architectural Design at the EUAC (Universitary School of Arts of Coimbra) and at DARQ|UC. He is currently finishing a PhD at the TU Delft, on the topic of Housing Design, Modernity and the Vernacular.
Holds a post-graduation Master in Architecture, Territory and Memory from the DARQ|UC since 2006, with the dissertation “A Arquitectura do Quotidiano. Privado e público no espaço doméstico da burguesia portuense no final do século XIX” (Everyday Architecture. Privacy and publicity in the domestic space of Porto’s bourgeoisie at the end of the 19th century). Professional experience as an architect with projects designed and built in different categories such as housing, rehabilitation of civic spaces, commercial and public buildings and ephemeral constructions. Winner and short-listed in several academic and professional prizes. Among them, winner of the 1st Távora Prize in 2006, winner of the “Alexandre Herculano” 2003 National Architectural Prize, and winner of the 2013 National Prize for Architecture in Wood. In 2010 has published the book “A Arquitectura do Quotidiano”, Coimbra: Edarq, 2010. Finalist in the FAD Prize 2011 category Though and Criticism.
Susana Constantino (Braga 1974). Architect from the Department of Architecture (d|arq) of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra (1992-1999). Master in Rehabilitation of the Built Environment (d|arq and Department of Civil Engineering FCTUC), 2009, with the dissertation “Arquitectura de Cine-Teatros: evolução e registo [1927-1945]. Equipamentos Culturais e de lazer em Portugal no Estado Novo” (The architecture of Cine-Teatros: evolution and register [1927-1945]. Cultural and Leisure Equipments in Portugal at the Estado Novo).
Tutor at the Mindelo International Urban Rehabilitation Seminar – Cap Vert, organised by Centro de Estudos do Departamento de Arquitectura da FCTUC (CeArq), Atelier MAR e Mindelo Escola Internacional de Arte (M_EIA). Published article “No centro: desenho da frente de mar” na revista ecdj, nº10 “Reabilitação Urbana – Mindelo”, March 2007. In 2010 has published the book “Arquitectura de Cine Teatros: Evolução e Registo [1927—1959] Equipamentos de cultura e lazer em Portugal no Estado Novo”, Coimbra: Almedina, 2010.
Luís Miguel Correia (Coimbra, 1970). Architect from the Department of Architecture of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra (DARQ|FCTUC). Master in Building Science from the Department of Civil Engineering (FCTUC), with the dissertation “Castelos em Portugal. Retrato do seu perfil arquitectónico [1509-1949]” (Castles in Portugal. A portrait of its architectural profile [1509-1949]).
Currently pursues a Ph.D at DARQ|FCTUC on the theme “Relação entre o monumento e o lugar. As Zonas Especiais de Protecção” (Relation between Monument and Place. Heritage’s special protection areas). Has several papers and lectures delivered at national and international conferences, mainly within the research field of heritage, territory and landscape. Teaching Assistant at DARQ|FCTUC in the chairs of Architectural Project and Architectural Research Seminar.
Author and co-author of several projects on different categories such as housing, rehabilitation of civic spaces, commercial and public buildings and ephemeral constructions. Special reference to projects developed for heritage buildings and sites in collaboration with the former Portuguese Architectural Heritage Institute and General Board for the Buildings and National Monuments. Winner and short-listed in several prizes. In 2010 has published the book “Castelos em Portugal. Retrato do seu perfil arquitectónico [1509-1949]”, Coimbra: Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra, 2010.
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