MASSLAB

Inspired by the legacy of the iconic Lidador Tower in Maia, known as the "Isqueiro Building", we were challenged to create a new landmark on an 82,000 m² plot, while designing a new centrality for the same city. Since building in height wasn’t an option, how can we create a new landmark in Maia City with a horizontal structure instead of building upwards? The Regen Maia project aims to redefine Maia’s skyline from the sky level, rethinking the 5th facade as a new circular neighborhood, creating a landmark seen from the clouds. Images from BARBAR Studio #UrbanDesign #CityLandmark #Masterplan

At MASSLAB, designing better cities is at the heart of our focus. We all must think about the urban planning needs in a context where our cities are predominantly surrounded by a built environment and where the public funds allocation for repurposing existing buildings is insufficient. If the focus is clearly on construction, the question then becomes: How do we plan a new city by redesigning an old one? We are pleased to share a chronicle written by our talented MASSters José Girão, who has been part of the MASSLAB team for almost 4 years and has just been published by Público, one of Portugal's most renowned newspapers. Don't miss the opportunity to read this provocative article and reflect on the challenges and opportunities to design for a hopeful future.

Our MASSter José Girão wrote a chronicle about the city. "How to plan a new city by redesigning an old one?" is the title of the article and you can read it on Público newspapper.

“If we think that designing a roof also creates new opportunities for using this roof, we increase the possibilities of using each building, adding value with practically the same investment". Bragança's ETAR is featured in Rethinking The Future magazine, the award-winning project where we equipped the existing structure with high recreational value. This simple gesture was the key element in the rethinking of the project.

Kicking off the summer with our June newsletter edition. Discover the latest news and the most significant achievements we've selected for you.

When architecture meets technology, boundaries are pushed and new possibilities bloom. Dare to dream bigger, inspire, and design for a hopeful future. #NationalArchitectsDay

How can sustainable development initiatives effectively intertwine with a profound respect for local identity? - that was the question we were trying to answer in Herdade da Barrosinha, near Alcácer do Sal. A full article about this expansive 2,000-hectare master plan was featured in the Jornal CONSTRUIR MASSLAB + OODA + P4 - Artes e Técnicas da Paisagem, teaming up to create something truly spectacular.

If people value deeper connections, why not use architecture to raise awareness of our social responsibility, fostering a sense of belonging and supporting real-life interactions? In every building, there are opportunities to enhance the collective feeling. Both on the ground floor and upper levels, it's possible to address urban segregation, accommodate diverse family structures, and create inclusive spaces that foster community cohesion and social well-being. Image: HERE S.r.l.

Tomorrow, on the 20th of June, MASSLAB will be one of the guests discussing "What drives people to do great things together", invited by MOME - a Portuguese company that promotes and manages housing cooperatives. MOME is a company that believes that housing is a primary need that determines the well-being of individuals, families, and the communities in which they live. So do we! As one of MASSLAB's main focuses on answering the call for sustainable and affordable living, Plot V addresses the housing crisis by promoting social cohesion with a multifamily building for accessible rental housing. In response to the growing demand for lower-priced housing, Plot V is one of the many examples that aims to widen access to suitable living conditions for families struggling to find homes. Effective management of construction costs is crucial for this kind of project, aiming to maximize the building's usable area while maintaining high quality. In this project, the design incorporates cost-efficient principles without compromising comfort or aesthetics, using prefabricated elements and passive strategies to reduce costs and be environmentally conscious. To promote social interaction and community well-being, the building features communal spaces, bicycle parking, and landscaped areas. By envisioning quality of life, Plot V enhances the urban landscape and seeks to contribute to social and environmental well-being. If you are curious about new affordable housing solutions, join us tomorrow at 17h15! More details about the event on MOME page. Images by MINO Architecture Visualization

SAVE THE DATE! Invited by MOME, next Thursday 20/06 we will be discussing "What drives people to do great things together / O que move as pessoas a fazerem grandes coisas em conjunto" with Joana Milhais Ferreira representing MASSLAB.