Precedents:
II. The inspiration for the volume cames from Fala Atelier - group of architects from Lisbon that has Álvaro Siza as forerunner - which is a set of blocs disposed by addition creating a lot of different space and different hights. uniteds by a modular grid and a equally shape;
III. It is worth to say that Tadao Ando also was a object of inspiration, specially the Row House, where he design a good plan for very narrow spaces - such as the spaces present in this project, once the modul (V.) is 3x3 meters;
VI. The last but not least important is Louis Kahn with all his work with lights and zenitals actual in Yale Art Gallery.
Inicial ideas and inicial drawings:
2. Finding a form: once I had a modul, I started to play with this little squares until I find a pleasent design. The ideia is based on open and closed spaces, adding and subtracting parts of this huge square.
3. Considerations at this stage when developing the volum model: hights to get the nice view to the castle, open spaces with differente uses, best arrangement to let the sun get in, green areas.
4. 16 blocks, 3x3m, making a whole massive one.
Subtractions parts to make entrances and gardens.
Add blocks to make second floor, open spaces creat terraces.
Add another layer to get the view to the castle, only one modul so it would not block the sun light.
5. Adjusted the blocks to respond to the edges of the plot and still get the sun light. Regular shaoe on the border, irregular shape onthe center. A little more modifications to make the design pleasent.
6. I separeted the two houses so the light could better penetrad the spaces in the houses, they could be more privete, more independent and at the same time have a shared space. Plus: RESPOND TO SITE EDGES!
7. Massive block.
Separeted in two.
Subtractions.
Responding to the edges.
Addiction of another layer + subtraction of choosen areas.
Addiction in hight of last blocks.