Platform of Arts and Creativity by Pitagoras Arquitectos; photo by Joao Morgado

Guimarães-based architectural practice Pitagoras Arquitectos have recently completed this striking Platform of Arts and Creativity for the 2012 Guimarães European Capital of Culture. Described by the architects as a ‘multifunctional space dedicated to artistic, economic, cultural and social activities within the scope of European Capital of Culture 2012′, the geometric, brass-clad building comprises an art centre, creative labs, temporary exhibition area, a multipurpose space for additional activities, performances and shows as well as workshops and workspaces aimed to ‘support emerging creativity.’ Watch the building come to live in the video by Archmov. (more…)

‘Pelt’ chair by Benjamin Hubert for De La Espada

Award-winning British industrial designer Benjamin Hubert has collaborated with the Portuguese manufacturer De La Espada on this visually light, stackable chair called ‘Pelt’. Twelve months in the making, the design features a thin, birch plywood shell which ‘wraps around a solid ash frame, akin the skin over an animal’s skeleton’ and the chair was launched during this year’s edition of the London Design Festival. (more…)

‘Geo Table’ by Gonçalo Campos for Show Me Gallery

Young Portuguese designer Gonçalo Campos has recently realised this series of stone-and-wood side tables for an art and design gallery Show Me. Aiming to ‘respect the materials and their origin’, the designer focused on retaining the natural qualities of stone by keeping the top surface of the design flat and, thus, functional, while the underside has been left ‘free and wild.’ (more…)

Braga’s House by Atelier Nuno Lacerda Lopes; photo by Nelson Garrido

This angular, white concrete-clad detached house has been developed by an interdisciplinary Atelier Nuno Lacerda Lopes. Specialising not only in architecture, but also in engineering, stage design, design, urban planning, landscape architecture, media and editing, the Portuguese practice have based the project on ‘an idea of a concrete box with a strong geometric complexity’. Composed of three floors, one of which serves as a parking space, the single family residence is located in the northwestern Portuguese city of Braga and it was completed in 2011. (more…)

R.T.P. / R.D.P. Studios by Frederico Valsassina; photo by FG+SG Fotografia de Arquitectura

Developed as studios for Portugal’s public service broadcasting company RTP, these three individual buildings have been realised by a Lisbon-based architect Frederico Valsassina. Surrounded by an extensive green space, the development comprises two monolithic concrete volumes (studios) and a printed glass-clad building which houses offices of administrative services. (more…)

'XI' bookshelf by Gonçalo Campos

Reminiscent of an oversized puzzle, this simple wooden bookshelf has been recently realised by the young Portuguese designer Gonçalo Campos. Featuring a number of discreetly-carved assembly directions, the ‘XI’ bookshelf can be easily put together without the need of screws, glue or any additional parts or joints. Instead, the parts of the design lock together thanks to the very carefully placed fittings. (more…)

House in Barcelos by Rui Grazina; photo by Nelson Garrido

The Mozambique-born, Porto-based architect and designer Rui Grazina has recently realised this extremely photogenic, minimalist detached house in the north-western Portuguese city of Barcelos. Partially located in a green protection area, this this single family development totals 330-square-meters and has two storeys on the eastern side, and just one on the western side due to the steep topography of the site. Additionally, house’s exterior blends seamlessly with the interior thanks to the entrance which is framed by two elongated concrete walls. (more…)

'Santa Ana's Chapel' by e|348 arquitectura, photo by Fernando Guerra

The Portoguese practice e|348 arquitectura realised this chapel, including the interiors, furniture and landscape design, for the community of Santa Maria da Feira, a small town in the North of their home country. ‘Santa Ana’s Chapel’ forms the center of the Santa Ana’s festivities, occurring in July 26th every year.

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