Comments on: Refuge Pavilion / Francisco Portugal e Gomes

By: Fernando Gabriel

Fernando Gabriel — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 23:10:53 +0000

you can see it to in this photo http://www.archdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/1627869949_refuge-pavilion-001-fernando-gabriel.jpg

in the back you can see one century houses with that type of architecture “Typical Minho Architecture”

By: Fernando Gabriel

Fernando Gabriel — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 23:06:42 +0000

“Another generic Post-Modern building that could be built in any site in the world. Return of the Return of International style mixed up with fetischism for regionalism tourism.
But it is true, nice details. Except the kitchen, too Ikea.”

if you know the site you will not say that, this building respect the environment and this architecture is unique, based on Minho architecture region from Portugal, no other place in the world have that kind of architecture, an example http://farm1.static.flickr.com/10/13398414_c371c4ed6d.jpg?v=0

By: Casa de astazi #154 Refuge Pavilion « O casa pe zi

Casa de astazi #154 Refuge Pavilion « O casa pe zi — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:02:55 +0000

[...] Surse: http://www.archdaily.com/11231/refuge-pavilion-francisco-portugal-e-gomes/ [...]

By: Kim

Kim — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:40:26 +0000

Answer to Freq, yes it is this kind of approach about austerity, very anchored in minimalism architecture, that I was refering to.

Answer to Arman and Frix. Sorry guys, maybe it’s due to the fact that I live and practice in Sydney where hundreds of projects of this scale is published every year, but I can tell you, this kitchen bench is not exciting. If you are having a Mediterranean family gathering, this space would not be suitable. I am not talking about style, here but of space and usage of door windows, carpentry, and the simple fact that you have 2 stoves, a minuscule kitchen bench and 1 sink.

By: Rokas

Rokas — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:25:03 +0000

I agree mostly with Arman-I like the idea of this pavilion like space,subtle addet to an old house-its conseptual.Of course,the seating area isn’t done the best…but that isn’t the key of the project-The “colonade-space”…and again-what’s the deal-in such a small house-there just can’t be the hedonistic approach.

By: Arman

Arman — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:52:44 +0000

I see a small, not claustrophobic but cozy pavilion, designed within the material and conceptual framework of a beautiful landscape and a centuries-old farmhouse, beautifully thought up and crafted, open and intimate at the same time, perfect for the joy of receiving guests. The kitchen bench works. You stand with your guests, and don’t go around the bench moving from it towards the table and vice-versa. After all, in southern-European cultures you prepare a meal with your guests, not for your guests. What I can’t see here are theories of any sort, any efforts to join a team or style (or religion, as Frix intelligently points out), any intention to rise a disciplinary debate (or admiration) among architectural “illuminati”, any glossy attempt of avant-garde, any cosmetics, any flashes. I can’t even see the TV. And I like that.

By: james

james — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:25:28 +0000

This argument proves the true subjectivity of our sport. Which is great. Personally, I think this building is beautiful, simple, economically real…and if you are up for it Kim I’d like to take you out for dinner!

By: sebastian

sebastian — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:08:57 +0000

the access looks like from other project… i like it, too material.

By: freq

freq — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:58:37 +0000

thanks for clearing up the post-mod. part of you original post, Kim. whether it’s actually happening or not, dubbing an assumed nostalgia for modernism another kind of post-modernism is interesting & ironic. that thought will stay with me.

in terms of masochism, I still can’t follow you. Are you referring to some sort of self-inflicted austerity brought about not by a lack of means but by a moral code, à la Weber’s analysis of the protestant way of life?

By: Frix

Frix — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:29:28 +0000

Kim, seriously, do you think doing that kind of project for less than 1000€/sqm deserves such trash talking? Rokas’s and other are right; let me tell you many architects don’t own clients as your superstars idols own. Many of them just try to do their work as well as it can be done, without trying to make every project a performance or something never seen before. This house has many qualities; relation to the sloping ground, nice details, nice work on sequences though the pathway, intimicy of the living room with a poetical semi hidden look on the landscape. Oh my god, the kitchen bench doesn’t fit you!!!

Anyway, i really think your religion of putting a style on every building you see is an absurd way to comment architecture, your fight is over, dude. Most of all, misunderstanding Koohlass’think definitively makes disasters in young architects minds, making them unable to have a look on daily architecture. You should ask yourself if you re not the most passeist and close minded person in that debat…