FAHR 021.3 intervenes porto's ruin with metal mesh installation

FAHR 021.3 intervenes porto’s ruin with metal mesh installation
(above) a ruin in porto was the chosen site for the intervention
all images courtesy of FAHR 021.3

surrounded by the architectural diversity of one of the most representative areas in porto, ‘metamorfose’ is an installation by local-based creative team FAHR 021.3, that won the third prize at designboom’s happy LED life competition. the impact of the green metal mesh filling the void by one of the city’s gateway is undeniable. the result of this intimate dialogue with the city is about bringing together all the elements that make up the area around são bento train station.

‘metamorfose’ has found its place in a ruin, a location that showcases decay, destruction, and dissertation. the ruin, part of the history of the city, is now an area of intervention and, first and foremost, of imagination. it engages the eye and induces discomfort, it creates a new scenery in porto and dignifies a space that was once destitute.

image © FG+SG

six tons of steel, 28 meters long, 11 meters high, five meters deep, and almost 200 intersections, make up the digitally developed metal mesh installation. the structure finds its physicality in the irregularity that is a by-product of the human hand. in line with the creative team’s philosophy, the plastic gesture, which breaks free from formalisms and rules in construction, puts into evidence the intent of provoking and surprising people. the use of the default color used in 3D modeling software is a statement of its challenging essence.

construction process video
video courtesy of FAHR 021.3

with ‘metamorfose’, the team presents a project that sums up their provocative vision and reflects a new architectural and artistic approach to one of the most characteristic elements in porto – void spaces. FAHR looks at these zones, found repeatedly throughout the city, and sees possible opportunities for intervention and imagination.

city and structure strike up a dialogue

image © FG+SG

a new scenery in porto

image © FG+SG

six tons of steel, 28 meters long, 11 meters high, 5 metres deep and almost 200 intersections

image © FG+SG

image © FG+SG

metamorfose by night

the installation is an artistic approach to one of the most characteristic elements in porto — void spaces

intimate dialogue with the city

project info:

creative project: fahr 021.3

light design: josé nuno sampaio

engineer: ncrep

execution: letratec

communication: carla brites santos

video: building pictures

music: orpheus ticked – ergo phizmiz (creative commons)
initiative: porto destino criativo – locomotiva

co-funding: o novo norte – operational program for the north region – qren – quadro de referência estratégico nacional european union – european fund for regional
development promoter: porto lazer

concrete foundations: fernando moreira da silva e filhos

materials: quadrangular profile steel

dimensions: (approx.) 28m extension, 12m height, 5m depth
weight: 6000 kg

number of intersections: 200

material in metres: 400 running metres

colour: copper oxide

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: juliana neira | designboom