‘SHELTER ON THE RUINS’ CELEBRATes A HISTORIC FORTRESS by the ocean

 

located in peniche, portugal, among powerful landscapes, ‘shelter on the ruins’ by WORS architects is a conceptual project that reimagines the historic site of the ‘nossa-senhora-da-luz’ fortress as a sculptural museum. built in the 17th century, the fortress was a strategic point along the coastal defense system of the peninsula. today, the ruins of the fortress eroded by wind and water emerge from steep cliffs that break into the ocean. this powerful scenery inspired the firm’s proposal that ‘urges to emphasize and celebrate this remarkable site by providing a unique and memorable experience for each visitor’. 

shelter on the ruins open up unique views on the nossa senhora da luz fortress in portugal 1
ruins of the fortress at the junction of the ocean | all images © WORS architects

 

 

A MONOLITHIC VOLUME DEFINED BY HORIZONTAL + VERTICAL AXISES

 

WORS architects’ proposal aims to minimize the impact on the vestigial structure all while emphasizing its significance. as a result, the team envisioned an architectural volume dominated by its vertical and horizontal axises. this approach opens up the proposed design to the best views of the ocean, landscape and existing ruins. on one hand, the vertical axis compensates for the lost observation tower by acting as a landmark and a viewing point that opens up on all four sides. the horizontal axis, on the other hand, acts as a corridor that descends through the rock and offers a stunning view of the ocean. 

shelter on the ruins open up unique views on the nossa senhora da luz fortress in portugal 2
the monolithic volume is defined by its vertical (tower) and horizontal (corridor) axises

 

the two directions (horizontal and vertical) are connected by an underground exhibition space defined by an ascetic design to emphasize the natural beauty of the place and the centuries-old history of the remains that were once an impressive fortress. ‘the project is conceived as a way that runs through the ruins and connects the earth and the sea, memory and nature. simple monolithic forms open up new perspectives on the ruins and provide a direct connection with the surrounding natural landscape’, conclude WORS architects. 

shelter on the ruins open up unique views on the nossa senhora da luz fortress in portugal 4
the observation tower, opening up new views of the ruins

WORS architects reimagines historic fortress site in portugal as monolithic museum space
the corridor leads visitors to a picturesque setting by the ocean

WORS architects reimagines historic fortress site in portugal as monolithic museum space
the entrance to ‘shelter on the ruins’ emphasizes its minimal aesthetics + monolithic quality

WORS architects reimagines historic fortress site in portugal as monolithic museum space
exhibition space

 

 

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project info:

 

name: shelter on the ruins
location: peniche, portugal
project concept: WORS architects
designers: alexander simonov, ekaterina voronova

 

 

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: lea zeitoun | designboom