location: loures, portugal
type: cultural centre
stage: competition
render: rrarch ©
*collaboration with asba, atelier de santa barbara.
“cardus-decumanus”
the new cultural center of loures is structured around two main perpendicular axes, inspired by the cardus and decumanus of ancient cities. this design creates a public thoroughfare within a singular building that embodies the floodplain-city dichotomy of full-empty, light-shadow.
the south axis, or cardus, starts with a wide accessible ramp that invites the city to cross. this new axis intersects with the center's main space—a semi-covered external square at mid-height between rua da república and the internal urban road. this space serves as a crossing portico, external foyer, and urban square, seamlessly connecting the various programs and levels.