Quinta das Conchinhas - Almada
Projeto do conjunto habitacional da Quinta das Conchinhas 5th prize
Location: Almada
Area: 16 174,8 m2
Year: 2022
The proposal includes the construction of 5 multi-family housing blocks with a contemporary architectural language that seeks to enhance the surrounding buildings, giving them a sense of unity and articulation with the urban fabric and public spaces it promotes, fully integrating into the urban systems demarcated in this area.
In terms of conceptual strategy, the proposal assumes the role of completing the block, responding to the characteristics of the site and its particularities. Given the steep slope of the land along Azinhaga Baptista, and considering that this road functions as a "fast lane" for vehicle traffic, the proposed solution was to create two platforms that organize the program hierarchically.
On the ground floor, the exterior public space is defined, articulating pedestrian access and establishing the relationship between the existing buildings and the new residential blocks, in line with the proposed layout mentioned in Annex I.J. of the Terms of Reference for this competition.
The decision to divide and reverse the orientation of the central block, originally perpendicular to Azinhaga Baptista, resulting in the proposed layout for buildings C and D, is based on the intention to promote a high-quality urban design solution. This approach aims to harmoniously integrate the new buildings, optimizing solar exposure and views, while creating a public space that enhances the permeability and connection of the residential blocks as a whole.
These residential blocks, in terms of architectural language, are based on a modular and regulated design concept that, along with the inherent functional and constructive dimensions, is necessarily reflected in the aesthetic expression adopted in the design of the various architectural elements. This approach provides a sense of unity, clarity, and regularity, which is perfectly integrated and benefits the surrounding built and unbuilt landscape.
The private parking for the proposed complex, dimensioned according to the number of housing units, is located on two underground floors, with access/exit on Av. Paulo VI, near the boundary of the intervention area.
Finally, regarding the areas dedicated to Commerce and Services, the proposal is based on a second platform, located below buildings A, B, and D (floor -1), where commercial spaces are defined in direct relation to the urban frontages of Av. Paulo VI and Azinhaga Baptista. Oriented towards this same avenue and adjacent to the commercial space, the service area is designed as a flexible-use space. The interior parking, properly dimensioned and dedicated to these areas, is located on floor -2, with access/exit on the same avenue. This facility includes a vertical access core (beneath the service area) and a compartment for technical areas and waste disposal (RSU), next to the aforementioned access/exit.
We understand that the proposal seeks to ensure a proper formal and functional connection with both the established and developing urban fabric adjacent to the intervention area. In this regard, full integration with the existing streets is guaranteed, with multiple vehicle and pedestrian access points on both Av. Paulo VI and Azinhaga Baptista. Furthermore, the redesign of these two urban frontages offers several advantages for the area's revitalization. On one hand, it enhances existing road infrastructures with the creation of exterior public parking spaces and the extension of the existing bike path on Av. Paulo VI. On the other hand, the landscaping, including the creation of green areas with medium/large trees, not only acts as a sound and visual barrier, improving the quality of the environments associated with the commercial and service centers, but also promotes a sense of continuity and extension of the proposed public space, considering the potential for future intervention in the remaining area of the former Quinta das Conchinhas, which is currently classified as Green Recreation and Production Spaces, according to Lisbon's Municipal Master Plan (PDM).
Given the particular topography of the intervention area, especially in its northern extremity, the proposed outdoor spaces around the residential blocks, as well as pedestrian access to the commercial and service centers, take into account proper coordination and ensure accessibility at various access points (both vehicular and pedestrian) along Azinhaga Baptista. The proposed public outdoor spaces, directly related to the placement of the residential blocks, form two plazas with centralities intersected by pedestrian pathways of different scales, along with recreational and seating areas equipped with urban furniture (benches and playgrounds). The landscaping of these spaces contributes to the enhancement of this public area, as well as to the integration of the residential complex within its surrounding context.
Typological Combinations Diagram
The proposal effectively addresses the principles of the Preliminary Program, establishing a clear and functional organization of various interior and exterior spaces. Regarding the residential blocks, the strategy focuses on the hierarchy and integration of common and private spaces. In each building, common areas are distributed between the ground floor (floor 0) and the parking levels.
On the ground floor, entrances are clearly marked by protective canopies, adjacent to exterior bicycle parking areas. Inside, near the building's entrance hall, a dedicated condominium room and a technical room are proposed. Additionally, vertical access points (staircases and elevators) and circulation areas leading to the apartments are provided.
In the two levels of private underground parking (floors -1 and -2), adjacent to each building's vertical access cores, there are compartments for cleaning supplies, technical areas, and waste collection areas. Surrounding these facilities are storage compartments allocated to each apartment, along with circulation corridors, except in buildings E and F, where the layout is adjusted to accommodate parking spaces and vehicle circulation. Finally, on floor -1, near the infrastructure’s access/exit, a niche is proposed for placing the buildings' waste containers.
Ground-Floor Plan
West Elevation
Section AA’
South Facade
Section BB’
Constructive section, sustainability system.
Living room ambience
In summary, the vision of the proposal clearly reflects a way of rethinking the city based on a conceptual approach grounded in clarity and formal, aesthetic, and spatial integrity, while aligning with the functional program. Thus, we believe that the intervention achieves the defined objectives, complementing and diversifying, whenever possible, the different private and public spaces; interior and exterior environments; pathways and views that enhance the qualities of the location, promoting the overall integration of the residential complex into its urban surroundings.