Lisbon Story – Architecture between Atmosphere and Tectonics

The Option Studio will develop a project for Lisbon.

For over 500 years Portugal was recognized for discoveries due to their innovations in sailing techniques and boat construction. The estuary of Tagus River was filled with different boats and ships by the 16th Century. Life was closely tied to the river and to the sea for all Portuguese people. This connection is less true in current times as nautical sports, such as sailing, canoeing or rowing, are no longer part of the official sports curricula of public basic or secondary schools.

Our Option Studio will develop a Nautical Public School, by the riverfront, in the historical area of the city. This equation will allow students to discuss the program and the site, the relationship between water and city, natural and artificial, inside and outside, and all the atmospheres related to such an inspiring subject. To materialize this process, students will develop models and section drawings in large scales, as well as atmospheric images, where materiality, light, scale and density will always be present.

This course has an irregular meeting schedule.

Ricardo Bak Gordon will be in residence on August 29, 30 and 31, September 13, 14, 27 and 28, October 11, 12, 25 and 26, November 8, 9, 21 and 22, and December 7, 8 and 9.