ALCANTARA MAR HOUSING | LISBON, PORTUGAL

Description:

​

To protect against the surrounding environment, the project is conceived as a dense mass enclosing courtyards, referring to the typical Lisbon squares. This mass is protected by an acoustic double skin facade with some elements of vegetation inside. Water fountains in the entrance places on the site will mask the noise caused by the traffic. The offices offer acoustic protection from the residential buildings inside. Access to the site is provided by narrow passages, at the scale of Lisbon old center, that allows a glimpse into the site and will create a desire to discover it. The urban context will be extended onto the site by using mineral materials such as cobbles for the pavement and a composition of azulejos reinvented on the walls of the pedestrian streets.

The four housing buildings contain 160 apartments in total organized around the four central courtyards. Retail is at ground level, and housing on the upper floors. The attics under the noise reflecting roof will be used as cafés, restaurants, terraces and double height housing. Organic materials in the courtyards generate various garden themes. The interior facades of the housing buildings translate different characters for the courtyards, with vegetation, water effects and various materials. Each courtyard has a specific theme, generating its own 'micro-climate'. A walk through the site gives way to a few surprises. These contrasts, between shadow and light, nostalgia and modernity, noise and quiet, will link the site to the city. (Atelier Jean Nouvel)

​

Architects:

​

Jean Nouvel - Atelier Jean Nouvel

> Local architect: Joao Paciencia

> Project leaders: David Fagart, Saskia Fokkema (concept)

​

Location: Avenue India, Lisbonne, Portugal

Date: 2003 - 2010

Status: Unbuilt

Program: 160 apartments (60%), offices (20%), retail (20%)

Surface: 40 000 m²

Client: EPUL- Empresa Publica de Urbanizacoa de Lisboa

​