RESTORING - NON RESIDENTIAL

The Batalha Cinema, designed by architect Artur Andrade in the 1940s, has stood as a symbol of resistance against the oppressive impositions of the dictatorship. The project, designed by Atelier 15, emerged from a desire to highlight the building's significance within its context, establishing it as a landmark of modern architecture and transforming it into a hub for relevant cultural activities in the city of Porto. Given the degradation over time, a comprehensive restoration was deemed necessary.

The structural refurbishment primarily involved mixed steel concrete solution for the new roof, a steel framework to support ceilings and insulating materials in the corridors. The reconstruction of the Main Hall comprises of a mixed steel and wood structure for the floor of the new auditorium.  Additionally the balcony frames have been reinforced with a wall beam that also serves as a dividing barrier between the two halls. Elements that had suffered a deterioration over time were refurbished including the two frescoes by Júlio Pomar.

A significant portion of the existing structure was preserved, including the reinforced concrete frames of the second balcony, the slabs of the lobbies and access areas, and the masonry load-bearing walls of the main hall.

The functional demands of the spaces required complex solutions to accommodate people with reduced mobility, such as the installation of an elevator. Once the structural and construction challenges were resolved, technical solutions were found for acoustic conditioning, thermal comfort, lighting systems, safety, and water and sanitation networks. Thanks to the installation of aluminium solutions, the required aesthetic was maintained while providing optimal thermal, acoustic, and lighting performance.

Influenced by the expressionism of Erich Mendelsohn and the functionalism of Le Corbusier, and mediated by Brazilian architecture, the project stands out for its coherence and for considering the city as a space for social interaction.