Sofia Sá Mineiro

          When I tried to know the space in detail, my first attitude was to become aware of the rythm of life and the urban movements of that place. Anyway, the pre-existing architectural buildings called my attention: the impressive gable of the "Institute of Legal Medicine" as well as "Saint Anthony Hospital" and "ICBAS", very important buildings of Oporto city.

       Making a slightly more detailed analysis of my proposal, I should mention first of all, why I´ve chosen such directions. The volume in front of Carregal Road is parallel and retreated a few meters from the limits of the space. It was a decision that allowed me not only to increase the width but also to improve both the traffic conditions and the pedestrian circulation in the referred road. It is a volume formed by eight modules relating to eight students each. These are organized in duplex, so that the rythm of the elevation may be more remarkable. In this volume the marking of module is made with the help of large window panes concerning stairwells. Two other volumes are boxed in this volume, one being perpendicular to the first one. In the second volume I´ve mentioned, the reception expands to the whole area, with lower height, from which ne can reach every other point of the complex. In the last volume I developped the common areas, placed at a privileged access not only for disable peoples but also for researchers.

          It is also important to refer that in the north end of the lot, in the same alignment of this last volume, arises the residence of the director, a almost suspended building over the entrance to the underground car parking whose main facade is marked by a large window facing the large inner courtyard of the lot.

           The gable was preserved as well as a certain distance from the proposed volume.