maisr arquitetos: EVOA bird observatory

‘EVOA environmental interpretation center’ by maisr arquitetos, vila franca de xira, portugalimage © filipa miguel ferreiraall 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 toan 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 fieldsimage © filipa miguel ferreira

a small river running next to the structureimage © filipa miguel ferreira

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

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

simple mechanical connectionsimage © filipa miguel ferreira

image © filipa miguel ferreira

interior with wood framing and skewed windowsimage © filipa miguel ferreira

construction of the primary structureimage © filipa miguel ferreira

site 

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elevation

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project info:

localization: lezírias in vila franca de xira, portugaltotal floor area: 470,00m2exhibition area: 157,40m2design period: 2009 – 2012construction period: 2012.04 – 2012.11