nuno pimenta two manifolds viewpoint on s.miguel island

in portugal, the azores archipelago is partly defined by the continuous search for new horizons, juggling between economic sustainability and the feeling of enclosure. following this idea, portuguese based nuno pimenta creates the two manifolds viewpoint — an artwork that explores the ‘dual’ relationship between the permanent and temporary, the act of going or staying. as expressed by the studio, ‘it invokes the desire to raise ourselves to be able to see a little more of this seemingly infinite horizon, this diffuse but concrete line that defines an uncertain periphery’.

two manifolds viewpoint: a landmark and connector
all images © rui soares

the viewpoint is located in santa clara, one of the most peripheral places of ponta delgada. although an underprivileged area, santa clara is known for its importance in the construction of the city port — one of the major exchange gates between the archipelago and the rest of the world. according to nuno pimenta, it was important to create a new centrality that emphasizes the urban periphery of the region. therefore, two manifolds becomes a landmark, a stopover and observation point that connects the site to the political and geographical contexts of azores.

three different orientations established in the architectural structure

the installation is composed of two levels — a low point reserved for rest and stay, a higher one for observation and introspection– and oriented in three different directions to highlight the various degrees of proximity to the site. each level is made of distinct materials with different resistances to time; they were all built through processes of auto-construction and in collaboration with local artisans and volunteers.

taking into account the location — an inhospitable area exposed to the sea and winds — the lower level has a set of three concrete benches, like tetrapods that protect the area from the waters. ‘these benches suggest a new centrality and, due to its permanent character, record the intentions of the piece in case severe storms affect the place’, explains nuno pimenta. the top level is in cryptomeria wood which has temporary characteristics and is easy to disassemble for storage and maintenance purposes.

it consists of two levels – a high point for observation and introspection , a lower one for rest and stay

as mentioned, this tripartite wooden box points at three directions: the first one, where the entrance is, points to santa clara and invites its residents to visit the viewpoint; a second, swung seaward, overlooks the port of ponta delgada which is the point of entry and exit of the island; the third leads to the opposite direction of the european political centre and reminds people of the ultra-peripheral conditions of the azorean archipelago — encouraging users to extend the context with their own eyes.

two manifolds ‘invokes the desire to raise ourselves to be able to see a little more of this seemingly infinite horizon’

the azores archipelago is partly defined by the continuous search for new horizons

the artwork is located in santa clara, known for its importance in the construction of the city port

the set of permanent concrete benches

nuno pimenta two manifolds viewpoint : an exploration of opposites and dualities

axonometric views: the different layers and materials

the tripartite wooden box plan view: pointing to three places closely linked to local and geographical contexts

elevation view of the two levels

project info:

materials: cryptomeria wood, concrete /  4,46×3,86×3,86m
location:  ponta delgada, s.Miguel island, azores
  producer:  walk & talk azores – public art festival

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom