PROPOSAL FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE CONVENT OF BOA-HORA À AJUDA

Exploring the theme of Heritage Rehabilitation, the present proposal acts on the Boa-Hora Convent and the surrounding parish of Ajuda, in Lisbon. Through the concept of porosity, physical and visual, the building is reconnected to the city and became a social anchor, offering new and qualified public spaces with a cultural and social program.

To achieve the objectives of reconnect this buildings and this population with the city, the concept of \"porosity\", both physical and visual, was explored through the possibility of crossing between public and built space. These crossings were materialized through the creation of three public entrance atriums in each wing of the Convent, opening up the patio to the city. The creation of new volumes adjacent to the Convent also promoted a sense of openness, articulating elevations and reconnecting the interior territory of the old wall and adjacent streets.\r\nIn an effort to counteract the emerging gentrification process, a public functional program was followed, including cultural, social, and sportive uses, distributed throughout the complex to attract human appropriation. This appropriation was also encouraged by the improvement of the amenability of the paths, through the creation of large green spaces for contemplation and spatial enjoyment.\r\nAssuming that transformation is an inevitable process in the revaluation of the building, the proposal tries to adapt the object to contemporary constraints, not seeking to restore its original state, but rather giving it a new meaning. The concept of continuity and contrast was explored in an attempt to reaffirm existing values and offer new architectural and spatial qualities.