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Between terrace and valley. Community architecture in Portugal's Fundão

14 of April '25
w skrócie
  1. The author's design by Magdalena Raźny of the Cracow University of Technology is a proposal for a residential development in Portuguese Fundão, combining modernity with the local spatial and cultural context.
  2. Cascading rooftop terraces adapted to the mountainous terrain create spaces for relaxation with a view and reference regional architecture.
  3. Common and recreational spaces between the buildings support the integration of residents/residents and the development of the local community.
  4. The service part on the first floor - with cafes, stores or a library - realizes the idea of a 15-minute city, increasing the comfort of everyday life.
  5. The project takes into account ecological and socialaspects, focusing on sustainability, biodiversity and the diverse needs of residents/residents.
  6. For more interesting information, visit the home page of the AiB portal

The design of a residential complex in Fundão is an example of a successful combination of modern architecture with the local character of the place. The author of the concept is {tag:studenci} from the Faculty of Architecture at the Cracow University of Technology, who created a vision of a residential complex that fits perfectly into the Portuguese landscape and the social needs of its residents/residents. This project is not only a response to the challenges of modern construction, but also an attempt to redefine what a common space in a multifamily development can be.

analizy

analysis

© Magdalena Raźny

terraces and topography

One of the most distinctive elements of the project are the rooftop terraces arranged in a cascade, in accordance with the natural terrain. Fundão, located in a mountainous part of Portugal, imposes on architects the need for a creative approach to building form. In Magdalena Radzna's design, it is the topography that becomes an asset - the buildings "descend" down the slope, and their roofs are transformed into recreational spaces with panoramic views of the surroundings.

These terraces not only serve a utilitarian function, offering residents/residents a place to relax, but also relate to local architectural traditions, where stepped forms and open spaces are a natural part of the landscape. This solution allows the development to fit coherently into its surroundings, while increasing the use value of each apartment.

wizualizacja

visualization

© Magdalena Raźny

community and convenience

The design of the Fundão development is also a well-thought-out functional layout, which combines the needs of individual residents with concern for the community. A publicly accessible recreational space has been planned between the buildings - there are benches, deck chairs, swings and green areas that encourage people to meet, relax and spend time together. Such an arrangement supports the building of neighborly relations and fosters the integration of the local community.

A big advantage of the project is also the service section located on the first floor, which makes the estate self-sufficient. Stores, cafes, a gym and a library located within the development mean that residents/residents do not have to go far from their place of residence to run daily errands. It's a concept close to the idea of a "15-minute city," where the most important urban functions are available at your fingertips.

The apartments themselves have also been planned with great attention to functionality and comfort. Diverse layouts of the units make it possible to adjust the space to the needs of different users - from singles to young families to seniors. Each apartment has been designed with optimal interior lighting and maximum use of space in mind.

An important aspect of the project is also a conscious approach to ecology. The buildings have been designed with sustainability in mind - the use of natural ventilation, green roofs and energy-efficient technological solutions aims to minimize the carbon footprint. A large amount of greenery, both on terraces and in common spaces, supports local biodiversity and improves the microclimate of the estate.

wizualizacja

visualization

© Magdalena Raźny

The project was inspired not only by local architecture, but also by city-building ideas promoting slow living and building human ties. Magdalena Raźny's work refers to values that are increasingly appearing in the discourse about the future of cities - concern for social relations, proximity to nature and availability of services. As a result, the project gains not only an aesthetic and functional dimension, but also a symbolic one - as a proposal for a new lifestyle in harmony with the environment.

Magdalena Raźny's project stands out not only for its aesthetics and attention to detail, but above all for its coherent vision of a place friendly to residents and the environment. It is an example of how architecture can combine functionality with beauty and local identity, creating spaces where one simply wants to live.

Aleksandra Skorupa

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