luiz eduardo lupatini designs a monumental concrete structure anchored off the algarve coast

this stark, monolithic concept has been conceived by luiz eduardo lupatini in response to the ‘site mirador’ competition launched by ARKxSITE. receiving honorable mention, the brazilian architect’s proposal searches for harmony between opposites, and the balance between architecture and the incredible natural landscape of portugal‘s atlantic coast. 

images courtesy of luiz eduardo lupatini

the international competition organized by ARKxSITE called for compelling ideas for the design of a ‘site mirador’ located at the zavial battery on the algarve coast of portugal. the jury was looking for proposals that emphasize, respect and celebrate the site and existing ruins while providing a unique and memorable experience.

anchored off the edge of a cliff, luiz eduardo lupatini‘s mirador directly faces the immensity of the atlantic ocean. the position on the site provides a privileged view of the surroundings, situated parallel to the ruins, and seeks to establish a dialogue between the architectural intervention and the context.

the program is solved in a single piece that can be read as a mono-material structure that continues the existing path, which remains at the top level of the borderline and subtly detaches from the ground leading the visitor towards the horizon. the design, called ‘the way’, intends to create a place of memory and contemplation, where the only sound is the noise of the sea.

project info:

project name: the way

competition: honorable mention in the site mirador international architecture ideas competition | ARKxSITE

location: algarve, portugal

architect: luiz eduardo lupatini

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom