PORTUGAL MODERN

1992 - 2000

Edifício Central e da Reitoria, 3810-193 Aveiro

Gonçalo Byrne and Manuel Aires Mateus's design of The Chancellor's Office at the University of Aveiro featuring a composite material structure with palm trees and elements typical of a corporate headquarters on an academic campus. Photo by Ben
Gonçalo Byrne and Manuel Aires Mateus's design of The Chancellor's Office at the University of Aveiro featuring a composite material structure with palm trees and elements typical of a corporate headquarters on an academic campus. Gonçalo Byrne and Manuel Aires Mateus' design of The Chancellor's Office at the University of Aveiro showcasing a modern interior with varnished flooring, sleek furniture, and a spacious conference hall. Gonçalo Byrne and Manuel Aires Mateus's design of The Chancellor's Office at the University of Aveiro showcasing a modern interior with hardwood flooring, varnished wood stain, and contemporary furniture. Gonçalo Byrne and Manuel Aires Mateus's design of The Chancellor's Office at the University of Aveiro showcasing a modern interior with sleek flooring, minimalist furniture, and a clean, open layout. Gonçalo Byrne and Manuel Aires Mateus' design of The Chancellor's Office at the University of Aveiro showcasing a modern interior with sleek flooring, a minimalist ceiling, contemporary furniture, and a spacious lobby area. Gonçalo Byrne and Manuel Aires Mateus's design of The Chancellor's Office at the University of Aveiro showcasing a modern structure with a prominent glass façade, wooden flooring, and metal accents. Gonçalo Byrne and Manuel Aires Mateus's design of The Chancellor's Office, University of Aveiro, showcasing a modern commercial building with a composite material structure, extensive use of glass and metal, and features like concrete and aluminum elements for daylighting. Gonçalo Byrne and Manuel Aires Mateus's design of The Chancellor's Office at the University of Aveiro showcasing a modern structure with extensive use of wood elements, including hardwood flooring and plywood doors, highlighted by orange and brown tones. Gonçalo Byrne and Manuel Aires Mateus's design of The Chancellor's Office at the University of Aveiro featuring a modern composite material structure with a public space layout, resembling a corporate headquarters within a campus setting. Gonçalo Byrne and Manuel Aires Mateus's design of The Chancellor's Office at the University of Aveiro showcasing a brick and composite material façade with daylighting elements. Gonçalo Byrne and Manuel Aires Mateus's design of The Chancellor's Office at the University of Aveiro, showcasing a modern composite material structure with a sleek, corporate headquarters appearance on the university campus during daytime. Gonçalo Byrne and Manuel Aires Mateus's design of The Chancellor's Office at the University of Aveiro featuring a modern composite material structure with a prominent plaza, street lights, and bicycle frames in the surrounding public space. Gonçalo Byrne and Manuel Aires Mateus's design of The Chancellor's Office at the University of Aveiro, showcasing a modern academic institution with palm trees and poles in a public campus setting.
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The Chancellor’s Office, known as Reitoria, stands as a testament to modern architectural brilliance in Santiago. Designed by the renowned architects Gonçalo Byrne and Manuel Aires Mateus, this building is a harmonious blend of functionality and symbolism, strategically positioned at the Central Square corner, extending towards the historic Church of Santiago. The architects envisioned the structure as an architectural complex where the exterior seamlessly flows into the interior, creating spaces of typological significance such as the monumental hall, the impluvium courtyard, and the “street.”

The building is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own architectural identity. The Aula Magna, the first section, is characterized by its lower height and gracefully curved roof that descends towards Santiago, offering a visual harmony with its surroundings. The second section, an L-shaped structure, is distinguished by its striking brickwork coating, adding texture and warmth to the design. The third section is a long parallelepiped, with its south-eastern façade adorned by elegant colonnades that support the protective overhangs of the pavements and roofing, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional shelter.

At the heart of this architectural marvel lies the Chancellor’s Office, situated above the impluvium courtyard. This area is designed around a serene patio garden, offering a tranquil retreat within the bustling campus. Large glass windows in the corner section allow for an abundance of natural light, creating a seamless connection between the interior spaces and the vibrant exterior environment. The Reitoria is not just a building; it is a dynamic space that embodies the spirit of academic life, innovation, and architectural excellence.

Publications on The Chancellor’s Office, University of Aveiro by Gonçalo Byrne, Manuel Aries Mateus

Guia de Arquitetura Gonçalo Byrne Projetos Construídos Portugal, Architectural Guide Gonçalo Byrne Built Projects Portugal, ISBN: 9789895440177 Book
Universidade de Aveiro. 30 anos de arquitectura, University of Aveiro Thirty Years of Architecture, ISBN: 9789728650056 Book