building pictures presents the restoration of a homeless shelter in porto

building pictures has filmed the renovation project of the ‘homeless shelter of porto‘ (albergues noturnos do porto), a project designed by the portuguese architect nuno valentim. guided by laudolino jesus, who was previoulsy homeless himself, the film takes viewers on a short tour around the building, conveying how architecture has the ability to actually change people’s lives.

images © building pictures

laudolino, who is now an employee of ‘associação dos albergues noturnos do porto’, an association that welcomes homeless people from the city of porto, describes how the building was pre-restoration: ‘it was a very dull place…the whole space was completely transformed.’ throughout the film, accompanied by the interview, viewers are taken through the spaces to see the modest rehabilitation of the building and how it makes a huge impact in the lives of hundreds of people who rely on the association.

the architectural design by nuno valentim is characterized by the pop of color in the front facade and details within the shelter. overall, the renovation is sympathetic to the original building, yet now offers a a space where residents can enjoy a good nights sleep and hot shower. light and bright interior spaces have been created to provide a sense of tranquility and calm that facilitates healing of those who have fallen on difficult circumstances. at the end of 2018, the building and its film were the finalists of the living places: simon architecture prize, in the category collective places, an initiative of the simon group with the support of foundation mies van der rohe.

project info:

project name: ‘homeless shelter of porto’

project location: porto, portugal

architect: nuno valentim

direction & production: building pictures

camera: sara nunes

post-production: sara nunes

sound design: ana pedro

music: blue dot sessions_uncertain ground (creative commons)

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: lynne myers | designboom