The School of Architecture in Porto

The School of Architecture of the University of Porto is located at the northwest corner of a triangular region. From a design perspective, the architect Alvaro Siza has a unique understanding and interpretation of the site. The School of Architecture in Porto is situated on a flat land on the high bank of the Douro River in a leisurely manner. The bank still preserves traditional Portuguese residences intact. The building base is surrounded by a dense forest, with the backdrop being the "modern" architecture of Portuguese cities. In such a base environment, Siza chose a simple and plain architectural form, accurately interpreting the specific atmosphere of the site environment. At the same time, it humbly integrates into the city, achieving a genuine balance between the city and the architecture. On the facade of the building facing the river, four teaching buildings with similar volumes are arranged at a certain height parallel to the river. With the changes in the roof and windows, the School of Architecture of the University of Porto has its own architectural expressions without falling into chaos. Architect Alvaro Siza even chose to treat the building facade as anthropomorphic faces in a "naive" way. The building is like a silent watcher of the Douro River, quietly watching the changes on the river. The fleeting changing shadows cast on the building during the day are its changing expressions. The facade treatment seems casual, but it is actually carefully considered. This is the control power of the "master", the confidence and sensitivity to the architectural "form". This is Siza's choice, a confident and humble expression.