Exterior rendering of the Setúbal Public Library Entry by AND-RÉ (Image: AND-RÉ)
Portuguese architecture firm AND-RÉ (previously on Bustler) has sent us its stunning entry to the architectural competition for the new public library building in the city of Setúbal, Portugal.
— bustler.net
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Again, not being an intellectual, I can only make cursory comments based on my travels. Modern architecture in Portugal seems to like strong volumes which aren't that punched with openings. Maybe I'm thinking of the pavilhao at the Expo 98 Lisbon by Alvaro Siza Vieira, and even his school of architecture for the Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Arquitectura.
This design is unique, sculptural, and very ceremoniously set up in a public space with that gate. From looking at the drawings, it appears to be a solid on the exterior yet has floor to ceiling glazing in the interior circular opening toward the interior court. I wonder if this is programmatic, for the collection, or practical, for controlling the light. They may call Paris the "city of lights," but I've heard Lisbon called the "city of light." The quality of the sunshine is unique, that it's known for that in filming movies, and it's almost impossible to take a bad photo there. So Setubal, being south of and close to Lisbon, shares in this gift. However, the impetus appears to be philosophical, per the write up, in that it wants the patrons to be absorbed in the experience of the library and be involved in this other world rather than be looking at the port and other features of the area. Interesting.
Jun 20, 13 2:05 pm ·
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Again, not being an intellectual, I can only make cursory comments based on my travels. Modern architecture in Portugal seems to like strong volumes which aren't that punched with openings. Maybe I'm thinking of the pavilhao at the Expo 98 Lisbon by Alvaro Siza Vieira, and even his school of architecture for the Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Arquitectura.
This design is unique, sculptural, and very ceremoniously set up in a public space with that gate. From looking at the drawings, it appears to be a solid on the exterior yet has floor to ceiling glazing in the interior circular opening toward the interior court. I wonder if this is programmatic, for the collection, or practical, for controlling the light. They may call Paris the "city of lights," but I've heard Lisbon called the "city of light." The quality of the sunshine is unique, that it's known for that in filming movies, and it's almost impossible to take a bad photo there. So Setubal, being south of and close to Lisbon, shares in this gift. However, the impetus appears to be philosophical, per the write up, in that it wants the patrons to be absorbed in the experience of the library and be involved in this other world rather than be looking at the port and other features of the area. Interesting.
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