Trinity College Renovation: stone as eternal, wood as ephemeral

At Trinity College in Coimbra, Portugal, materials play a fundamental role in the renovation: after studying the existing heritage by Aires Mateus studio, old structures are consolidated to contrast with the new ones

Between heritage and transformation

The Trinity College Renovation, led by the Aires Mateus e Associados studio, starts from the recognition of the existing historical value. The project does not simply aim to preserve a specific era, but embraces the concept of the succession of time, distinguishing between the eternal, represented by stone and imposing walls, and the ephemeral, historically constructed in wood. This vision is part of a broader reflection on renovation projects, where respect for the past combines with the need for a new architectural language.

The value of matter and light

The project emphasizes the contrast between the solidity of the stone and the lightness of the new structures. The historical elements are preserved in their monumentality, while a new structure in steel introduces a dynamic and contemporary element. Natural light floods the spaces, emphasizing the ephemeral character of the new architecture and creating a dialogue between memory and innovation.

A new contemporaneity open to the future

The intervention does not simply reinterpret the past but proposes a new architectural time, capable of evolving and adapting to the future. The steel structure becomes a symbol of this contemporaneity open to change, keeping the spirit of Trinity College alive and offering a new way of inhabiting history.

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PEOPLE

Aires Mateus e Associados

R. Cecílio de Sousa 52, 1200-422 Lisbon, Portugal