LOOP – new structure in Porto, Portugal designed by FAHR0213

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto (UPTEC), FAHR was tasked with creating a structure for the garden located in front of the main building that would represent this milestone and endure as a symbol of the park for the future.

You can view the photographs taken in Porto and explore the LOOP here:

From the architect:

We began by searching for a silhouette that could serve as a focal point in Asprela, primarily known for being a hub of significant health and educational institutions, which creates a daily influx of individuals without many reasons for lingering due to the lack of engaging features in the public space.

By combining a concrete circular bench with an organic texture, LOOP embodies the notion that repetition is never identical; each circle will always differ. With every closing circle, new textures emerge, each possessing its own identity. The gathering in the garden fosters conversation, democratizes topics, and allows for unlimited participation from passersby.

In our studio, we aspired to create a new locus, a landmark in the public realm that permits various forms of appropriation.

architects FAHR0213
team Filipa Frois Almeida, Hugo Reis, Sérgio Marafona, Catarina Azevedo
engineering Streng
construction Fernando Moreira da Silva & Filhos, OpoLab
photography João Morgado
client UPTEC
location Porto, Portugal
built 2018

LOOP elevation planLOOP floor plan