portuguese architecture and design studio spaceworkers has combined several concrete volumes of different heights and dimensions for the interpretation centre of the romanesque, an exhibition building in the town of lousada, porto. drawing from the generator concepts of romanesque architecture in portugal, the project reflects the principles of unity within diversity, demonstrating the guiding principles romanesque buildings were built upon, as well as the heritage they have left us.spaceworkers joins varying concrete volumes for romanesque exhibition building in portugalall images by sergio pirrone

 

 

with the bold, austere, yet diversified appearance of the interpretation centre of the romanesque, spaceworkers has created a transitional element between the present and the distant romanesque past. exploring the idea of the rural street as a unifying element and generator of life experiences, the portuguese studio has established a relation between the concrete volumes with a central body through which they are all interconnected, and which precedes the entry into each one as a cloister.

spaceworkers joins varying concrete volumes for romanesque exhibition building in portugal

 

 

the interpretation centre comprises an exhibition area of approximately 650 square meters, that includes a large central foyer and six theme-based rooms: territory and establishment of portugal; medieval society; the romanesque; the builders; symbolism and color; and monuments over time. additionally, the building incorporates a reception, a bar, and a library. spaceworkers has designed interior spaces to reflect the exterior monumentality and refer to the interiors of romanesque buildings, not only in scale, but also in form. as such, each of the volumes within the building reinterprets a certain type of roofing used in romanesque architecture.

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project info:

 

 

name: interpretation centre of romanesque

architect: spaceworkers

area: 1580 m2

location: lousada, portugal

coordinators: henrique marques | architect, rui dinis | architect

collaborators: sérgio rocha | architect, rui rodrigues | architect, rui miguel | architect

finance director: carla duarte | CFO