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First prize: Bruno Schindler
Architect from Germany

First prize: Bruno Schindler
Architect from Germany

First prize: Bruno Schindler
Architect from Germany

First prize: Bruno Schindler
Architect from Germany

Third prize: Andrew Landry
"This counter proposal aims to extend the Municipal Library in Porto, Portugal while considering the character and ambiance of the surrounding neighborhood. The design incorporates motifs and design features that harmonize with the existing urban fabric, breathing new life into the area.
Drawing inspiration from the Ribeira architectural style, we have carefully selected elements that reflect the spirit of the neighborhood. These include elegant wrought iron window guards, stone belt courses, and tastefully designed door and window surrounds. To infuse vibrancy, we have incorporated colorful azulejo exterior finishes, corniced rooflines, and the warmth of terracotta tiles. The heavy wooden doors feature raised paneling, often accompanied by transoms.
The primary objective is to create a subtle contrast between the extension and the existing library. While the current structure exudes a sense of weightiness and enclosure, this design focuses on openness and a welcoming atmosphere. To achieve this, the east and west facades have been divided by a central massing with courtyards on either side, creating an "H"-shaped roof plan. The eastern elevation boasts a sizable courtyard and stacked colonnades, creating a visually engaging space.
Additionally, the south elevation offers alfresco seating and leisure areas that can serve multiple purposes, such as accommodating a café or a gift shop. This flexible space allows visitors to relax and enjoy the library's surroundings, fostering a sense of community engagement.
The vision is to seamlessly blend the proposed extension with the existing architectural styles while introducing a fresh perspective. By incorporating these design elements, we aim to invigorate the neighborhood and create a library that becomes a cherished focal point. The thoughtful integration of traditional motifs and innovative features ensures that the extension not only respects the surrounding urban fabric but also brings a renewed sense of vitality to the area." Andrew Landry, M.Arch student from the US
Drawing inspiration from the Ribeira architectural style, we have carefully selected elements that reflect the spirit of the neighborhood. These include elegant wrought iron window guards, stone belt courses, and tastefully designed door and window surrounds. To infuse vibrancy, we have incorporated colorful azulejo exterior finishes, corniced rooflines, and the warmth of terracotta tiles. The heavy wooden doors feature raised paneling, often accompanied by transoms.
The primary objective is to create a subtle contrast between the extension and the existing library. While the current structure exudes a sense of weightiness and enclosure, this design focuses on openness and a welcoming atmosphere. To achieve this, the east and west facades have been divided by a central massing with courtyards on either side, creating an "H"-shaped roof plan. The eastern elevation boasts a sizable courtyard and stacked colonnades, creating a visually engaging space.
Additionally, the south elevation offers alfresco seating and leisure areas that can serve multiple purposes, such as accommodating a café or a gift shop. This flexible space allows visitors to relax and enjoy the library's surroundings, fostering a sense of community engagement.
The vision is to seamlessly blend the proposed extension with the existing architectural styles while introducing a fresh perspective. By incorporating these design elements, we aim to invigorate the neighborhood and create a library that becomes a cherished focal point. The thoughtful integration of traditional motifs and innovative features ensures that the extension not only respects the surrounding urban fabric but also brings a renewed sense of vitality to the area." Andrew Landry, M.Arch student from the US

Third prize: Andrew Landry
"This counter proposal aims to extend the Municipal Library in Porto, Portugal while considering the character and ambiance of the surrounding neighborhood. The design incorporates motifs and design features that harmonize with the existing urban fabric, breathing new life into the area.
Drawing inspiration from the Ribeira architectural style, we have carefully selected elements that reflect the spirit of the neighborhood. These include elegant wrought iron window guards, stone belt courses, and tastefully designed door and window surrounds. To infuse vibrancy, we have incorporated colorful azulejo exterior finishes, corniced rooflines, and the warmth of terracotta tiles. The heavy wooden doors feature raised paneling, often accompanied by transoms.
The primary objective is to create a subtle contrast between the extension and the existing library. While the current structure exudes a sense of weightiness and enclosure, this design focuses on openness and a welcoming atmosphere. To achieve this, the east and west facades have been divided by a central massing with courtyards on either side, creating an "H"-shaped roof plan. The eastern elevation boasts a sizable courtyard and stacked colonnades, creating a visually engaging space.
Additionally, the south elevation offers alfresco seating and leisure areas that can serve multiple purposes, such as accommodating a café or a gift shop. This flexible space allows visitors to relax and enjoy the library's surroundings, fostering a sense of community engagement.
The vision is to seamlessly blend the proposed extension with the existing architectural styles while introducing a fresh perspective. By incorporating these design elements, we aim to invigorate the neighborhood and create a library that becomes a cherished focal point. The thoughtful integration of traditional motifs and innovative features ensures that the extension not only respects the surrounding urban fabric but also brings a renewed sense of vitality to the area." Andrew Landry, M.Arch student from the US
Drawing inspiration from the Ribeira architectural style, we have carefully selected elements that reflect the spirit of the neighborhood. These include elegant wrought iron window guards, stone belt courses, and tastefully designed door and window surrounds. To infuse vibrancy, we have incorporated colorful azulejo exterior finishes, corniced rooflines, and the warmth of terracotta tiles. The heavy wooden doors feature raised paneling, often accompanied by transoms.
The primary objective is to create a subtle contrast between the extension and the existing library. While the current structure exudes a sense of weightiness and enclosure, this design focuses on openness and a welcoming atmosphere. To achieve this, the east and west facades have been divided by a central massing with courtyards on either side, creating an "H"-shaped roof plan. The eastern elevation boasts a sizable courtyard and stacked colonnades, creating a visually engaging space.
Additionally, the south elevation offers alfresco seating and leisure areas that can serve multiple purposes, such as accommodating a café or a gift shop. This flexible space allows visitors to relax and enjoy the library's surroundings, fostering a sense of community engagement.
The vision is to seamlessly blend the proposed extension with the existing architectural styles while introducing a fresh perspective. By incorporating these design elements, we aim to invigorate the neighborhood and create a library that becomes a cherished focal point. The thoughtful integration of traditional motifs and innovative features ensures that the extension not only respects the surrounding urban fabric but also brings a renewed sense of vitality to the area." Andrew Landry, M.Arch student from the US

Third prize: Andrew Landry
"This counter proposal aims to extend the Municipal Library in Porto, Portugal while considering the character and ambiance of the surrounding neighborhood. The design incorporates motifs and design features that harmonize with the existing urban fabric, breathing new life into the area.
Drawing inspiration from the Ribeira architectural style, we have carefully selected elements that reflect the spirit of the neighborhood. These include elegant wrought iron window guards, stone belt courses, and tastefully designed door and window surrounds. To infuse vibrancy, we have incorporated colorful azulejo exterior finishes, corniced rooflines, and the warmth of terracotta tiles. The heavy wooden doors feature raised paneling, often accompanied by transoms.
The primary objective is to create a subtle contrast between the extension and the existing library. While the current structure exudes a sense of weightiness and enclosure, this design focuses on openness and a welcoming atmosphere. To achieve this, the east and west facades have been divided by a central massing with courtyards on either side, creating an "H"-shaped roof plan. The eastern elevation boasts a sizable courtyard and stacked colonnades, creating a visually engaging space.
Additionally, the south elevation offers alfresco seating and leisure areas that can serve multiple purposes, such as accommodating a café or a gift shop. This flexible space allows visitors to relax and enjoy the library's surroundings, fostering a sense of community engagement.
The vision is to seamlessly blend the proposed extension with the existing architectural styles while introducing a fresh perspective. By incorporating these design elements, we aim to invigorate the neighborhood and create a library that becomes a cherished focal point. The thoughtful integration of traditional motifs and innovative features ensures that the extension not only respects the surrounding urban fabric but also brings a renewed sense of vitality to the area." Andrew Landry, M.Arch student from the US
Drawing inspiration from the Ribeira architectural style, we have carefully selected elements that reflect the spirit of the neighborhood. These include elegant wrought iron window guards, stone belt courses, and tastefully designed door and window surrounds. To infuse vibrancy, we have incorporated colorful azulejo exterior finishes, corniced rooflines, and the warmth of terracotta tiles. The heavy wooden doors feature raised paneling, often accompanied by transoms.
The primary objective is to create a subtle contrast between the extension and the existing library. While the current structure exudes a sense of weightiness and enclosure, this design focuses on openness and a welcoming atmosphere. To achieve this, the east and west facades have been divided by a central massing with courtyards on either side, creating an "H"-shaped roof plan. The eastern elevation boasts a sizable courtyard and stacked colonnades, creating a visually engaging space.
Additionally, the south elevation offers alfresco seating and leisure areas that can serve multiple purposes, such as accommodating a café or a gift shop. This flexible space allows visitors to relax and enjoy the library's surroundings, fostering a sense of community engagement.
The vision is to seamlessly blend the proposed extension with the existing architectural styles while introducing a fresh perspective. By incorporating these design elements, we aim to invigorate the neighborhood and create a library that becomes a cherished focal point. The thoughtful integration of traditional motifs and innovative features ensures that the extension not only respects the surrounding urban fabric but also brings a renewed sense of vitality to the area." Andrew Landry, M.Arch student from the US

Alternative proposal by Roberto Rodríguez Galán
"The proposal follows the configuration of the original project by Souto de Moura, where the heights are determined by those of the neighboring buildings, and the ground floor opens to the exterior, in this case through a gallery of monumental Tuscan arches.
The use of the same material palette as the existing building allows the project to blend into its surroundings, although its decidedly classical form makes it stand out among the adjacent constructions. However, its most distinctive feature - its asymmetrical facade - aims to attenuate the individuality of the structure, making it perceived as part of a whole."
The use of the same material palette as the existing building allows the project to blend into its surroundings, although its decidedly classical form makes it stand out among the adjacent constructions. However, its most distinctive feature - its asymmetrical facade - aims to attenuate the individuality of the structure, making it perceived as part of a whole."

Alternative proposal by Roberto Rodríguez Galán
"The proposal follows the configuration of the original project by Souto de Moura, where the heights are determined by those of the neighboring buildings, and the ground floor opens to the exterior, in this case through a gallery of monumental Tuscan arches.
The use of the same material palette as the existing building allows the project to blend into its surroundings, although its decidedly classical form makes it stand out among the adjacent constructions. However, its most distinctive feature - its asymmetrical facade - aims to attenuate the individuality of the structure, making it perceived as part of a whole."
The use of the same material palette as the existing building allows the project to blend into its surroundings, although its decidedly classical form makes it stand out among the adjacent constructions. However, its most distinctive feature - its asymmetrical facade - aims to attenuate the individuality of the structure, making it perceived as part of a whole."

Second prize: Alex Peacock
"My proposal addresses the brief in a number of ways; it continues the original style of the library seamlessly, but is of its own a beautiful and energetic building. The ground floor facade consists of arches, referencing the arched interior courtyard of the original library, and providing a large amount of window space, so that pedestrians will be invited into the library, and which fills the interior with light.
In a library, natural light is an important design feature, and so, in reference to the courtyard and cloisters of the original library, an atrium has been included in my extension, with a skylight on the roof. Plants, trees, and vines will adorn this atrium, and escalators will connect the floors, rising through this space. The interior will be open plan, bright, and modern.
The materiality of this extension will be the same as what came before it; locally sourced stone, tiles, and plaster. This will be sustainable in numerous ways; its strength will ensure a long-lasting building, which will age well and not need to be demolished and replaced, and, in being of local materials, will be free from the pollution of lengthy transport.
The building, in the traditional plain Portuguese style, follow rules of proportion, of symmetry, and of logic. It is at a human scale, and pleasing to the eye, and will be ornamented in its ground floor arches, with a canvas awning covering the street from shade, and in the ironwork of its balconies, its carved detailing around the windows, and the classical sculptures on the tiled roof."
Alex Peacock, student in Architecture
In a library, natural light is an important design feature, and so, in reference to the courtyard and cloisters of the original library, an atrium has been included in my extension, with a skylight on the roof. Plants, trees, and vines will adorn this atrium, and escalators will connect the floors, rising through this space. The interior will be open plan, bright, and modern.
The materiality of this extension will be the same as what came before it; locally sourced stone, tiles, and plaster. This will be sustainable in numerous ways; its strength will ensure a long-lasting building, which will age well and not need to be demolished and replaced, and, in being of local materials, will be free from the pollution of lengthy transport.
The building, in the traditional plain Portuguese style, follow rules of proportion, of symmetry, and of logic. It is at a human scale, and pleasing to the eye, and will be ornamented in its ground floor arches, with a canvas awning covering the street from shade, and in the ironwork of its balconies, its carved detailing around the windows, and the classical sculptures on the tiled roof."
Alex Peacock, student in Architecture

Second prize: Alex Peacock
"My proposal addresses the brief in a number of ways; it continues the original style of the library seamlessly, but is of its own a beautiful and energetic building. The ground floor facade consists of arches, referencing the arched interior courtyard of the original library, and providing a large amount of window space, so that pedestrians will be invited into the library, and which fills the interior with light.
In a library, natural light is an important design feature, and so, in reference to the courtyard and cloisters of the original library, an atrium has been included in my extension, with a skylight on the roof. Plants, trees, and vines will adorn this atrium, and escalators will connect the floors, rising through this space. The interior will be open plan, bright, and modern.
The materiality of this extension will be the same as what came before it; locally sourced stone, tiles, and plaster. This will be sustainable in numerous ways; its strength will ensure a long-lasting building, which will age well and not need to be demolished and replaced, and, in being of local materials, will be free from the pollution of lengthy transport.
The building, in the traditional plain Portuguese style, follow rules of proportion, of symmetry, and of logic. It is at a human scale, and pleasing to the eye, and will be ornamented in its ground floor arches, with a canvas awning covering the street from shade, and in the ironwork of its balconies, its carved detailing around the windows, and the classical sculptures on the tiled roof."
Alex Peacock, student in Architecture
In a library, natural light is an important design feature, and so, in reference to the courtyard and cloisters of the original library, an atrium has been included in my extension, with a skylight on the roof. Plants, trees, and vines will adorn this atrium, and escalators will connect the floors, rising through this space. The interior will be open plan, bright, and modern.
The materiality of this extension will be the same as what came before it; locally sourced stone, tiles, and plaster. This will be sustainable in numerous ways; its strength will ensure a long-lasting building, which will age well and not need to be demolished and replaced, and, in being of local materials, will be free from the pollution of lengthy transport.
The building, in the traditional plain Portuguese style, follow rules of proportion, of symmetry, and of logic. It is at a human scale, and pleasing to the eye, and will be ornamented in its ground floor arches, with a canvas awning covering the street from shade, and in the ironwork of its balconies, its carved detailing around the windows, and the classical sculptures on the tiled roof."
Alex Peacock, student in Architecture

Second prize: Alex Peacock
"My proposal addresses the brief in a number of ways; it continues the original style of the library seamlessly, but is of its own a beautiful and energetic building. The ground floor facade consists of arches, referencing the arched interior courtyard of the original library, and providing a large amount of window space, so that pedestrians will be invited into the library, and which fills the interior with light.
In a library, natural light is an important design feature, and so, in reference to the courtyard and cloisters of the original library, an atrium has been included in my extension, with a skylight on the roof. Plants, trees, and vines will adorn this atrium, and escalators will connect the floors, rising through this space. The interior will be open plan, bright, and modern.
The materiality of this extension will be the same as what came before it; locally sourced stone, tiles, and plaster. This will be sustainable in numerous ways; its strength will ensure a long-lasting building, which will age well and not need to be demolished and replaced, and, in being of local materials, will be free from the pollution of lengthy transport.
The building, in the traditional plain Portuguese style, follow rules of proportion, of symmetry, and of logic. It is at a human scale, and pleasing to the eye, and will be ornamented in its ground floor arches, with a canvas awning covering the street from shade, and in the ironwork of its balconies, its carved detailing around the windows, and the classical sculptures on the tiled roof."
Alex Peacock, student in Architecture
In a library, natural light is an important design feature, and so, in reference to the courtyard and cloisters of the original library, an atrium has been included in my extension, with a skylight on the roof. Plants, trees, and vines will adorn this atrium, and escalators will connect the floors, rising through this space. The interior will be open plan, bright, and modern.
The materiality of this extension will be the same as what came before it; locally sourced stone, tiles, and plaster. This will be sustainable in numerous ways; its strength will ensure a long-lasting building, which will age well and not need to be demolished and replaced, and, in being of local materials, will be free from the pollution of lengthy transport.
The building, in the traditional plain Portuguese style, follow rules of proportion, of symmetry, and of logic. It is at a human scale, and pleasing to the eye, and will be ornamented in its ground floor arches, with a canvas awning covering the street from shade, and in the ironwork of its balconies, its carved detailing around the windows, and the classical sculptures on the tiled roof."
Alex Peacock, student in Architecture