SHELTER ON THE RUINS BY WORS ARCHITECTS IN PENICHE, PORTUGAL

project (concept): Shelter on the ruins

location: Nossa Senhora da Luz (historic site) in Peniche, Portugal 

typology: cultural , museum, rehabilitation 

architecture: Wors Architects + www.instagram.com/wors_architects

designers: alexander simonov, ekaterina voronova

images, renders: Wors Architects (c) 

Shelter on the ruins is a conceptual project of museum the ‘Nossa Senhora da Luz’ Fortress in Peniche, Portugal. Built in the XVII century, the fortress was an important strategic point along the coastal defense system of the peninsula.

The borderline location of the ruins at the junction of the rich natural landscape, the immense ocean and the endless sky determine the project of the museum. The main goal in generating the space was to minimize the impact on the natural structure that has developed over the centuries, while emphasizing its significance.

The project is conceived as a way that runs through the ruins and connects the earth and the sea, memory and nature. Simple monolithic forms open up new perspectives on the ruins and provide a direct connection with the surrounding natural landscape.

The volume is formed by two accent directions: vertical and horizontal dominants. Their position in space is chosen to open the best views of ocean, landscape and existing ruins for users. The vertical compensates for the lost observation tower, acting as a landmark and a viewing point opening to four sides. A horizontal corridor descends through the rock and shows a stunning view of the ocean.

The two directions are connected by an underground exhibition space. His asceticism emphasizes the natural beauty of the place and the centuries-old history of the remains of the once majestic fortress.