barbosa & guimarães expresses marina douro with curved steel frames

barbosa & guimarães expresses marina douro with curved steel frames in portugal
photo © jose campos

as part of the redevelopment of porto, portugal’s marina, where the duoro river meets the atlantic ocean, a mixed use complex of three buildings has been completed by barbosa & guimarães arquitectos. each of the rectangular volumes is contained within robust and expressive steel frames that feature distinctive and irregular patternings of curved bracing members. the facilities serves and complements the harbor’s docking area, while also engaging the waterfront promenade with additional public program.

the robust steel frames are composed with curved bracing members
photo © jose campos

in service of the marina, the elongated structure running parallel to the water’s edge combines reception area, changing rooms, workshops, administration offices, two training rooms, a conference room, and group of commercial spaces. to complement, the smaller buildings in perpendicular orientation contain a restaurant and a spa/gym, respectively.

the building’s glass envelopes sit within the structural frames
photo © jose campos

the structural arrangement allows for open ground planes for the smaller buildings
photo © jose campos

the complex serves both the private marina as well as the public passing
photo © jose campos

a terraced seating area opens onto the waterfront promenade
photo © jose campos

photos © jose campos

an outdoor patio looks out to the marina
photo © jose campos

among other functions, the long building contains various gallery and commercial spaces
photo © jose campos

photo © jose campos

photo © jose campos

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