Winner - Cinema Batalha
Porto, Portugal
Architect: Agency Atelier 15
Fabricator: Ribeiro & Rocha
Product solutions used: TENTAL façade and SOLEAL doors and windows
Photographer: Brutos audiovisual
“The prize has been awarded to this project for its thoughtful renovation, which faithfully restores the building to its former glory while preserving the heritage and essence of the original design, without compromising its fundamental features." Jury comments
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.
Winner - INSA, School of Architecture
Strasbourg, France
Architect Agencies: COSA / RHB Architectes (Associated)
Fabricator: Evoluglass
Product solutions used: SOLEAL windows and sliders, GEODE façades
Photographer: Camille Gharbi
“The decision has been made to award the prize to this project due to its exceptional design. The project thoughtfully utilizes materials like wood and concrete in a balanced and restrained manner, and it stands out as an exemplary model for architecture students by artfully integrating renovation with expansion".
Jury comments
The Architecture school INSA Strasbourg project, designed by COSA and RHB Architectes, involved the restructuring and expansion of the INSA campus to create a dedicated space for architecture training. The project builds upon the original 1960 floor plan, addressing disrupted links from previous extensions and reorganizing the departments to embody INSA's empirical pedagogy. The new building, positioned within the existing campus, is functional, minimalist, and luminous, designed to foster interaction between users and departments while adapting to modern teaching methods. The four-story structure includes teaching rooms, administrative offices, and six expansive, double-height workshops designed for prototype creation. The building's core is made of concrete, while a prefabricated wooden structure surrounds it. The architectural rhythm mirrors the existing buildings on campus, aligning with their structural goals. Large sliding glass windows on the lower levels, alongside fixed windows on the upper levels, allow for maximum natural light and a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces. The implementation of over 200 m² of GEODE curtain walls and 2,000 m² of SOLEAL sliders, fixed, and casement windows. These elements were engineered to meet the architectural challenge of balancing slim profiles with structural rigidity for large spans, achieving a stunning visual effect. The windows provide expansive views and transparency, offering a harmonious relationship between the indoors and outdoors while ensuring the students’ working spaces are flooded with natural light. The material palette of concrete, wood, aluminum, and glass was chosen with sustainability in mind. The anodized aluminum frames used offer both durability and a polished, reflective finish that plays with the light and complements the building’s wooden structure. The use of efficient materials was central to the architects' approach, prioritizing simplicity, material economy, and functionality in both the design and construction processes. The architecture school INSA Strasbourg blends seamlessly with its surroundings, creating a space that not only facilitates education but also encourages collaboration and interaction. It stands as a modern, sustainable example of architectural innovation, serving the pedagogical needs of INSA and its students.
