IN BETWEEN

Silesian University of Technology, (Politechnika Śląska), Faculty of Architecture, Gliwice

Project idea

The project is based on the idea of connecting two contrasting parts of the city of Covilhã – the "old town" with its traditional architecture and the "new town" dominated by modern residential buildings. The former Garagem de São João building, located exactly at the intersection of these two areas, becomes a symbolic connector – a space “in between” that links residents and students, tradition and modernity.

Project description

The main goal was to revive the abandoned garage by adapting it and giving it a new socio-cultural function. Two functional zones were designed – a restaurant with an exhibition space and a viewing terrace (addressing the “old town”), and student housing (representing the “new town”). These zones can function independently, but the building’s full potential is revealed through their synergy.

Technical information

The building was functionally divided to respond to the needs of Covilhã’s two main social groups – approximately 50,000 residents and 8,000 students. The project allows for spatial flexibility to accommodate local events and celebrations. The design challenge was to create a shared space that bridges two socially and spatially separated communities, supporting the formation of a common urban identity.

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