Pre-Existence and Project – Álvaro de Campos Municipal Library

Abstract

The Portuguese architecture – from traditional architecture to nowadays – is universally famous for the attention that gives to its territorial implementation. The way the architecture is placed in a particular location, as well as the way the location is changed by the presence of the architecture – the way it is redefined – are questions inherent in any architecture, particularly the Portuguese architecture, which has responded with special care in general terms. This document aims to investigate the pre-existence in architecture, to see it as a starting point and an essential tool that allows the creation of unique projects. The purpose is to obtain a more comprehensive and deeper understanding of the topic in question, in order to understand the processes that create buildings and cities through the ruins. Tavira is a Portuguese city in the district of Faro, region and subregion of Algarve, and one of Algarve’s cities that has a strong tradition regarding its built past. It is in this context of a strong urban identity that Álvaro de Campos Municipal Library is implemented. The architectural proposal is born in the old prison of Tavira, built in the 20th century and converted into a municipal library. Thus, we intend to study and investigate the potential of Álvaro de Campos Municipal Library and, based on its analysis, to substantiate the explanation of the project, its architectural strategies and solutions.