February 17, 2016

Alvaro Siza, Évora

Alvaro Siza, Évora

“There are several territories where the hand of the architect cannot be felt: the landscape of rocky outcrops, clumps of trees and small streams; the old buildings and structures within and at the edges of the development. Yet here too the architect is present, even if we can’t see it – because of what he has not done:

• He has chosen to leave almost all the main features of the landscape, and the pre-existing structures – even where these were clearly minor or fragile.
• Not only this, he has learned their lessons, internalising their logic. The streams become the primary structure of the landscape; the small houses with walled patios in the informal settlement become the basis for all 1200 houses.

Siza doesn’t impose, he unearths the partly concealed potential of what is already there.”

We are working with the Drawing Matters foundation to put together an exhibition of Alvaro Siza’s work at Quinta da Malaguiera, Évora