primeira pedra invites architects to create interpretations of portuguese rocks

venice architecture biennale 2016: portugal has an extended history in the extraction of a rich variety of stones. local-based primeira pedra/first stone aims to research and disseminate the material properties, the use and the socio-cultural meaning of portuguese stone. since this hard material has been an indispensable element for humanity to build and redefine the world, it is relevant to present and research its characteristics through the fields of design and architecture. divided in three projects: resistance, still motion and common sense, the program has a time span of 18 months and the results will be presented internationally in venice, london, milan, new york, basel and dubai.

álvaro siza
image © pedro sadio (also main image)

‘resistance’ is an exploratory project into the characteristics and qualities of portuguese stone. five renowned architects – álvaro siza (PT), amanda levete (UK), bijoy jain (IN), elemental (CL), and mia hägg (SE) – were invited to reveal their interpretations through marble and limestone. the design and production process challenged them with the strengths and limitations — the resistance — of the stones. the first outcomes comprise innovative and new concepts for the application of these materials for public and domestic use.

álvaro siza
image © pedro sadio

the conceptual phase of the ‘resistance’ exhibition at the venice architecture biennale 2016 explores marble and limestone in terms of their origin, qualities and accompanying manufacturing industry. the invitation to the architects included a specific briefing in which they were asked to work on ideas pertaining to the resistance of the stones. the challenge was related to the mechanical procedures used to restructure this material, which is complex due to its innate resistance. the project is aimed at bringing together different fields: architecture, design, and the stone industry, in order to identify different approaches for the use of portuguese stone.

‘creativity has the potential to show new perspectives and raise awareness, in this way added value is created for society’, said the curator of the project, guta moura guedes.

álvaro siza
image © pedro sadio

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amanda levete
image © pedro sadio

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edited by: juliana neira | designboom