
first image
'EVOA environmental interpretation center' by maisr arquitetos, vila franca de xira, portugal
image © filipa miguel ferreira
all images courtesy of maisr arquitetos
the 'EVOA environmental interpretation center' in vila franca de xira, portugal, designed by local firm maisr arquitetos, sits amongst the vast
fields of crops that many native birds call home. the museum and observation point for the local avian species is nested on the site, branching out
to grow gradually into the primary structure through a series of ramps. the entire skeleton is composed of wood beams, planks, and posts,
interwoven into a composition of delicate latticework over the walkways, large bulky foundations and contrastingly angled veneer texture alluding to
an environment of reeds and palisades. the project is divided into two wings arranged on different grids, one containing a large column-less exhibition
space and small conference hall, and the other an angular form holding offices, cafeteria and observation space looking through a large glass wall
dedicated to the research and study of the fowl.

structure sitting within the fields
image © filipa miguel ferreira

a small river running next to the structure
image © filipa miguel ferreira

long wooden ramps reach out to the site leading to the observatory
image © filipa miguel ferreira

a rhythm of wooden posts leads up to the main structure
image © filipa miguel ferreira

simple mechanical connections
image © filipa miguel ferreira

image © filipa miguel ferreira

interior with wood framing and skewed windows
image © filipa miguel ferreira

construction of the primary structure
image © filipa miguel ferreira

site

floor plan / level 0

section

elevation

elevation

elevation

elevation
project info:
localization: lezírias in vila franca de xira, portugal
total floor area: 470,00m2
exhibition area: 157,40m2
design period: 2009 - 2012
construction period: 2012.04 – 2012.11