PORTUGAL MODERN

The Sports Pavilion, known as Pavilhão Polidesportivo, stands as a testament to innovative architectural design, nestled near the athletics track at the edge of the Campus. Architects João de Almeida and Victor Carvalho have masterfully crafted a structure that harmonizes with its urban surroundings while maintaining a distinct presence. Rather than opting for a traditional single-building design, they have ingeniously segmented the pavilion into multiple sections, each varying in dimension and purpose. This approach not only highlights the pavilion’s functional diversity but also creates a dynamic visual experience.

The elongated section along the avenue serves as the backbone of the pavilion, housing essential facilities like changing rooms and storerooms that cater to all sports areas. Rising above this is a prominent block dedicated to squash courts, asserting its presence with a higher elevation. The pavilion’s design is characterized by its orthogonal dominance and simple geometric forms, unified by the consistent use of budowork on exterior surfaces. This is occasionally interrupted by horizontal elements, such as lower roofing or recessed alignments, adding subtle complexity to the structure.

From the Campus side, the pavilion’s diversity is on full display, yet it remains cohesive through its clear composition. The interior is bathed in vertical light, thanks to strategic elevations in the roofing, showcasing the architects’ meticulous attention to detail. This thoughtful design ensures seamless passageways and entrances, accommodating both sports and complementary activities. The pavilion exemplifies plain and clear solutions, addressing construction challenges with space-saving efficiency, making it a remarkable architectural achievement.


Publications on Sports Pavilion, University of Aveiro by João Almeida, Victor Carvalho

Universidade de Aveiro. 30 anos de arquitectura, University of Aveiro Thirty Years of Architecture, ISBN: 9789728650056 Book