Quinta das Conchinhas

In response to the fragility identified in the urban context of Chelas Urbanization Plan, such as segregation, reflecting on degradation of public space; the proposal consists in bringing unity to the public space trhough; proposing 4 parallel and equidistant bars, grouped in pairs, defining two blocks open to the valley. Each pair delimite a claustro, holding a space of encontour and distribution to the units.

The bar volumes are operated in a way defining 3 typologies of openings – one for the typical floor and the other for the dialogue with the groundfloor. The window is assumed here as a form of spatial characterization and cultural significance, seeking to relate not only to the surroundings, but also to Lisbon models of collective housing through the rigorous and systematic design of the facades, counterbalanced by the richness of the opening.

The proposal is developed at two levels and in the transition between them. At the higher level, the space connects intensely with the neighborhood, opening a contact front and resolving traffic congestion with a new road connecting João Paulo II Avenue, Alfredo Duarte Street, and Paulo VI Avenue.

At the connection between the two levels, between blocks, a large, gently sloping square is characterized by a micro-forest dominated by Portuguese oaks and wild olives, this time punctuated to the north by a playground and upstream by a depression for rainwater retention and infiltration.

The housing program is similar in both buildings, mostly confined to the ground floor and the remaining upper floors. Access to each block is provided at the ground level by a cloister, visually permeable from the outside(2), for lingering, socializing, and connecting with the rest of the housing program(3) (4).

From each cloister, interior corridors are created to access vertical circulation, storage areas for cleaning materials, and solid waste (MSW), as well as secondary access and evacuation routes, located on the sides of the blocks.

Inside the cloisters, a humid microforest dominated by alders and supplemented by other native hygrophilous species is established.

The commercial program and services, located alternately on the sides of the blocks, serve to activate the adjacent public space, adjusting topographically, between the elevations of floors 0, -1, and -2, to the altimetric characteristics of the proposed new public spaces.