Articles by Valeria Silva

The Cathedral School for Boys sits at the uppermost corner of the landmarked Grace Cathedral Close block, adjacent to the apse end of the Cathedral. The two-story addition designed by our office is connected horizontally to the original 1960s school building and sits on top of an existing concrete expansion from 2009. Our design consists of a steel structure with a glass and aluminum curtain wall: the new addition was light enough to land on the existing structure without foundation upgrades, and construction was sequenced to avoid interrupting the academic calendar. The addition contains open common spaces for large gatherings, small meetings, and quiet study, with spectacular views of the Cathedral transept and the downtown skyline. The project also included an interior renovation that created a new entry axis, leading directly from the front door to the new heart of school life.

The uneven terrain and dense native vegetation of the Atlantic forest present unique challenges and opportunities for architectural design. To navigate the complexities of the site, a structural solution utilizing wooden tree pillars was selected, which not only provides stability but also creates a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment. The existing old house on the property informed the design, with its masonry and foundations serving as the backbone of the current project.

Reconstruction of Urban Memory on the Public Shoreline of the Grand Canal. Background. In May 2022, the renovation and upgrading plan for the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal (Wuxi section) was completed, proposing a design strategy of gradual implementation of “renovation, revegetation, connection, revitalization, and empowerment”. In 2023, Liangxi District of Wuxi City launched the construction of the waterfront space in the Beitang Street section. The entire project is about 3.6 kilometers long. The starting point is at Jieguan Pavilion Alley on Beitang Street, and the end point is the planned and under-construction Beijian Park. It is a waterfront green corridor connecting Beijian Park and the park belt along the ancient city moat.

Above all, it was the generosity of the garden that captivated the owners and led them to acquire this 1960s Languedoc villa, which was not entirely to their taste. For the owners, the priority was to rid the house of the profusion of artificial elements (false fireplaces, false arches, false beams…) to rediscover a true architectural expression. The volume of the house was considerably simplified, and the newly simplified forms became more pronounced.

Aldeia do Meco is a village located in the south of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, in Portugal. Its proximity to the beaches led to a rapid change over the last four decades and this rural village embodied by low and traditional constructions was transformed into a seaside holiday destination. This change was reflected by out-of-scale buildings in the early 80s. Casa no Meco is a single-family house located right next to these buildings and its massive surroundings guided the new project.

The region of the Monts de Lacaune, located in the Haut-Languedoc massif, is an area rich in history, varied landscapes, and cultural heritage. Known for its high-quality waters and pure air, the region is dotted with spectacular panoramas and majestic peaks, such as the Roc des Écus.