The Aurora 10 Building, designed by Atelier Tiago do Vale, is a striking example of contemporary architecture that seeks to integrate design with the urban environment. Located in Ponte de Lima, Portugal, this project addresses the common challenges of suburban housing developments, striving to create more connected and meaningful spaces.
The Aurora 10 Building, designed by Atelier Tiago do Vale, is a striking example of contemporary architecture that seeks to integrate design with the urban environment. Located in Ponte de Lima, Portugal, this project addresses the common challenges of suburban housing developments, striving to create more connected and meaningful spaces.
One of the project’s main goals is to overcome the urban isolation that often characterizes new suburban developments. These buildings are frequently designed without establishing a direct relationship with their surroundings, resulting in anonymous and uninspiring spaces. However, the Aurora 10 Building aims to create visual and functional connections with the surrounding environment, enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
The building seeks to revitalize public space, integrating itself into the urban fabric through smart architectural solutions. For example, the ground floor features a covered commercial gallery that blends seamlessly with the surrounding sidewalks, while the entrance area is enriched by a staircase-auditorium, designed as a gathering and socialization space, accentuated by the presence of a Jacaranda tree.
The aesthetic of the building is defined by a dynamic interplay of volumes, materials, and light. The main façade breaks the monolithic appearance typical of modern constructions with vertical panels that create a refined play of light and shadow, giving the building a dynamic character that evolves throughout the day with natural lighting.
This visual rhythm echoes the vertical structure of traditional urban centers, reinterpreted in a contemporary way. The spacious balconies provide open private areas, ensuring both privacy and comfort for the residents.
The Aurora 10 Building was designed with a rationalized interior layout, optimizing every square meter to ensure efficient use of space. One of the standout features of the project is the inclusion of multifunctional spaces within the apartments, inspired by the vernacular tradition of the Azores.
For example, the three-bedroom apartments feature a central area with no predefined function, which can be adapted to different uses: a study, office, library, or relaxation area. Additionally, by incorporating mobile walls, this space can be transformed into a laundry room, pantry, or walk-in closet. This flexibility allows residents to shape their living spaces according to their personal needs, enhancing overall comfort.
Special attention was given to common areas, as they represent the first point of contact between residents and visitors. The materials selected for interior finishes include locally sourced oak and chestnut wood, as well as Estremoz marble, which is used in wet areas to add elegance and durability.
The Aurora 10 Building is not just an architectural project—it is a reflection on the future of urban living. The design carefully considers the relationship between the building and public space, offering intelligent solutions for greater integration with the city.
Through a minimalist yet sophisticated design, the project successfully balances aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, creating an innovative and high-quality housing model. Thanks to its attention to detail and contextual design philosophy, the Aurora 10 Building emerges as a new benchmark in contemporary residential architecture.
INFO: https://tiagodovale.com/portfolio/aurora/
PHOTO COURTESY: joão Morgado
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