Faro: Past, Present & Future

THE PAST:  MODERNIST WEEKEND 2024 - FARO FROM NOVEMBER 8th - 10th

Programma: This event celebrates Modernist architecture in Southern Portugal and is organized by a private initiative led by Angie and Chris, the founders of The Modernist Faro, in collaboration with the Municipality of Faro.

Walking Tours: The Faro Modernist Tour: Join Chris, founder of The Modernist Faro, as he guides you through iconic Modernist buildings in Faro.

From Bauhaus to Beach House: Artist Richard Walker leads this captivating architectural tour exploring modernist influences on Faro Island.

Modernism Through the Lens: Photographer Victor Martins reveals the secrets of capturing striking modernist structures on this exclusive tour.

Modernist Villas: Discover the Modernist villas neighborhood located Rua de Berlim, including a visit to a few buildings. 

Modernism as Art Performance: Follow an artist through Faro for an inspiring and unique perspective on Modernist architecture.Walking tours are available for €20 per participant and will last approximately 1.5 hours.

Open Houses: We are excited to announce tours of iconic Modernist buildings, including the Tridente, the largest structure designed by architect Manuel Gomes da Costa in 1979.  The building will be open to the public for the first time, with limited availability for participants. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity.

Other open houses will feature Casa Gago (1st and 2nd floors) and Casa 1923.Open house tours are priced at €10 per participant and will last approximately 45 minutes. 

Art Exhibition: Our venue will showcase works by several Portuguese artists and feature a special exhibition by

UK artist Richard Walker. Don't miss the vernissage on the evening of November 8th - free entrance.

Conference: We are pleased to announce a conference dedicated to exploring Modernist architecture and its enduring legacy. Join us on Saturday evening at the venue for this insightful discussion. Admission is free, and we encourage you to take part in this enriching experience.

Networking: Each evening will feature networking events where you can connect with like-minded participants.

Location: All events during the Faro Modernist Weekend will take place in Faro city, with the exception of the

Beach Tour. The main venue for the Art Expo, networking events, and the conference will be the Fábrica da Cerveja Faro. 

For information/program see: www.themodernistweekend.com

Read last year's articles in The Gardian and the design magazine The Wallpaper on the occasion of last year's modernist weekend: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/oct/07/guide-to-faro-algarve-portugal-architecture &  https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/faro-modernism-weekend-2023

And of course don't forget the tree Free Architecture Walking Tours on the App PocketSights

Download PocketSigts on your mobile and go to the Tours.

THE PRESENT:  ARCHITECT PHILIPPE PAIXÃO & CORPO ATELIER

We like to present some project in Faro of the talented young architect Philippe Paixão, who is based in Faro with his office Corpo Atelier. In 2022 he was named one of the "20 most talented young architects in the world" by

ArchDaily magazine. No small burden on the shoulders of a young office with a limited, but surprising production. See three completed projects by architect Philippe Paixão and his office in Faro.

One of his first completed projects in Faro is a house at the Rua Manuel Penteado, against the old fortress wall. It surprises with its modesty and subtle details. An other step in Philippe's careers was the invitation he has received to co-represent Portugal at  the last Venice Architecture Biennale with the theme “O Laboratorio do Futuro”.

The second project is a building with: ‘Facade Fragments inside Fake Facades’, an uncommon building renovation at Rua Jardim da Cardeal 16. Seamlessly integrating into its historic surroundings, the project sets up a new facade that adopts the appearance of a traditional structure or a meticulously restored heritage front. However, the construc!on is crafted as a decep!on, expertly mimicking traditional aesthetics never apparent in the initial composition. The deliberate inclusion of three grand windows, cutting across the plane of the old-styled frontage, disrupts the flow of its intricate ornaments and tiles, challenging perceptions.

The third project the ‘Three Exposed Concrete Facades’ at the Rua do Alportel 118 shows a masterful renovation that combines the rich architectural heritage of the region with contemporary design principles. This project, completed in 2023, is not just a renovation; It is a reinterpretation of space, structure and the subtle stories embedded in architectural materials.

"Each facade shows a different arrangement of the same constructive principle: a wall of exposed concrete rises from the ground, and at a certain moment a metal grid comes out of the concrete to contain a variety of local stones, until the grid finally Nothing but contains air " - Corpo Atelier Architects.

Photos & tekst: Arch-Eye © Frederico Martinho -  Designboom etc.

THE FUTURE:  NEW WATERFRONT

For many years, plans have been made for the redesign of the waterfront with, among other things, a new "Marina". Due to the low height of the bridge under the track, only small boats can now be done in the marina. The first plans, date from the time Faro wanted to become Cultural Capital 2027. The railway crossing will be a tunnel to the water side in the latest plans. Especially the fly-over at the Teatro de Figuras is 'interesting'. Watch the video and enjoy.

The architecture and coordination of the re-qualification of the Riverfront project of the city of Faro and Porto de Recreio, designed by the architect Miguel Caetano. The expansion of the existing port infrastructure in Porta Nova and Largo de S. Francisco is by the architect Vieira de Melo.