MOBILITY AWARD '10

Competition I Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa I Order of Architects

This is an ideas competition, where the project solution is developed at the Preliminary Study level, formalized into an architectural solution addressing mobility issues in a context of residential buildings with historical and architectural value, repurposed for senior care facilities.

Taking the Palácio Marqueses das Minas, now the Lar Nossa Senhora do Amparo, as a starting point for developing a "(...) concept for using the courtyard as both a welcoming and leisure space, while simultaneously serving as an access and distribution area (...)" that could serve as a "(...) model/prototype applicable to any and all buildings with similar characteristics (...)", the design sought to identify these potentially common features.

Within this context, the project proposed the installation of a core structure consisting of a staircase and an elevator shaft in a location that addresses accessibility issues without directly interfering with the classified buildings, preserving the scale and relationships of the outdoor spaces. For the case in question, the proposed location—assuming the demolition of recently added annexes—is at the rear of the lot, near Rua de São Ventura, also enabling an accessible path from this street.

From this core structure, ramps will extend to provide accessible paths to all floors of the building, enhancing the quality of existing outdoor spaces and harmonizing with the preexisting elements. In this case, the existing courtyard will retain its scale and unity, as the ramp/stair/elevator system will be placed along the property's boundaries, replacing part of the annexes.

The proposed construction goes beyond merely serving circulation functions, offering the possibility of creating high-quality living spaces interconnected through double- and triple-height ceilings and also connected to the outdoors. The aim is for the spaces resulting from the ramp/stair/elevator system to be interior, livable spaces with comfortable conditions, not solely circulation areas.

The project's boundaries will be defined by a translucent surface, revealing the ramp system and enhancing the formal dynamics enabled by this design. This façade will include movable elements for ventilation and access to the exterior.

From a construction perspective, the depth of intervention and the careful selection of technologies to be applied must be evaluated. Since most of these preexisting structures were built with self-supporting stone masonry walls, the new applications should adapt to this construction system. In a perspective that safeguards and preserves the architectural heritage, restoration work (repairs using the same construction methods and materials as the original structures) should coexist with rehabilitation efforts, harmonizing existing elements with modern materials and technologies. This will include introducing new equipment and infrastructure to address mobility challenges. Light structural systems, minimally invasive techniques, and materials with low embodied energy—preferably recyclable—should be used to optimize resources and enhance the sustainability of the construction.

In summary: instead of a closed formal solution, the aim is to define a system consisting of a staircase and elevator core, complemented by ramps to ensure accessibility, within a context framed by the preexisting structures.