miguel arruda architects: elderly day care center

‘elderly day care center’ by miguel arruda architects in vialonga, portugal all images courtesy miguel arruda architects

lisbon-based firm miguel arruda architects has designed ‘elderly day care center’ in vialonga, portugal, a seniors building that pivots around a central courtyard dig-out. located in a relatively recent but already degrading neighbourhood, the new complex is intended to urge the local officials to generate more spaces that support the elderly population.

fly-by

conceived as a singular architectural object, the project initially started out as a box that defined its interior space by varying the ceiling height depending on programmatic needs. a central courtyard was exercised from the dual-sloped mass to admit natural lighting and facilitate cross-ventilation.

reception area

courtyard

(left) interior hallway (right) layout of lights

exterior walkway

schematic massing models

site plan

plan

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