Monastery Leça do Balio | Álvaro Siza Vieira

"I was asked to design a building project that would make visible the importance of Leça do Balio in the Way of Saint James. A new landmark in the building that occupies part of a geometric garden belonging to the monastery and has a connection with the church itself."
Álvaro Siza Vieira

ÁLVARO SIZA PRESENTS A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY THROUGH ARCHITECTURE IN PORTO

Foundation Livraria Lello has chosen Pritzker Prize winner Álvaro Siza Vieira to lead the requalification work on the national monument, the Monastery of Leça do Balio, and create an iconic sculpture in a spiritual setting. 

The Monastery of Leça do Balio: Heritage and Innovation

The Monastery of Leça do Balio has been a national monument since 1910. Its origins date back to the 11th century, gaining prominence in the High Middle Ages due to its connection with the Way of St. James. As the headquarters of the Order of the Knights Hospitallers (now the Order of Malta), the monastery supported pilgrims. In 2016, the Lionesa Group, which owns the nearby Lionesa Business Hub, invited Álvaro Siza Vieira to renovate it. The land from the building to the LBH will host the Garden of Thought, designed by landscape architect Sidónio Pardal. The project includes an open sculpture by Siza Vieira, honouring both ancient and contemporary pilgrims.

Architectural Reinterpretation and Space Utilization

Álvaro Siza Vieira describes this project as delicate, given its proximity to a national monument and a church. His approach does not aim to restore historical truth but to enhance the charm of the house and its historical layers. This project embodies a dialogue between the monastery's storied past and a forward-looking vision that preserves and enhances its cultural and spiritual significance through contemporary solutions.

Key Features:

- Adaptive Reuse: The monastery has been reimagined to meet contemporary needs, balancing innovation with reverence for the past.

- Open Sculpture: A 400 m² sculpture with 6-meter-high walls and two towers (12m and 14m), made of white concrete, featuring continuous lighting and ventilation.

- Light as a Sculptural Element: Siza’s design uses light to shape the visitor’s experience, enhancing the sense of sacredness and introspection. 

The Open Sculpture by Siza 

The open sculpture stands as a contemporary landmark, enhancing the monastery's role as a historical waypoint for pilgrims. It features a dynamic interplay of light and form, creating an environment where the ethereal and the tangible merge. The sculpture symbolizes an introspective and rejuvenating journey, highlighting the perpetual movement and search that define our existence.

Technical Details:

- Material: White concrete

- Dimensions: 400 m² area, 6m high walls, 12m and 14m towers

- Design Features: No windows, continuous lighting and ventilation, permeable stabilized gravel sidewalk. 

Path of Art 

The Foundation Livraria Lello is also promoting the "Path of Art," a cultural expansion project connecting Porto Cathedral to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral along the Portuguese Way of Saint James. This 261 km route, covering 20 municipalities, aims to be the most remarkable cultural journey, featuring over 60 artists and artworks.

Project Goals:

- Foster cultural tourism and sustainable development.

- Enhance local economies and create opportunities for communities.

- Strengthen cultural identity through active participation in cultural events.

Heritage and Innovation: 

The Leça do Balio Monastery, a beacon of worship and culture, stands as a testament to the enduring quest for meaning and the shared symbolism that defines our collective experience. This project, articulated by Álvaro Siza Vieira, is not merely an architectural endeavor; it's a dialogue between the monastery's storied past and a forward-looking vision that seeks to preserve and enhance its cultural and spiritual significance through contemporary architectural and urban solutions. 

Architectural Reinterpretation and Space Utilization: 

The essence of this project lies in the reinterpretation of sacred and cultural spaces within an evolving architectural landscape. While the church remains steadfast in its purpose, the monastery has undergone numerous transformations, adapting to various uses over time.

Unity and Spatial Integration: 

In the broader context of the Lionesa complex, the project exemplifies how disparate elements can be woven into a coherent spatial unit, creating an environment that fosters community, creativity, and cultural continuity. This approach not only revitalizes the monastery complex but also embeds it within a larger narrative of urban development and social engagement. 

A Synergy of Aesthetics and Functionality: 

The collaborative effort in architectural and landscape design has birthed new elements that resonate with modern aesthetics while paying homage to the site's historical essence. The rehabilitation of the monastery, the reimagining of its courtyards, and the construction of the new temple within a garden setting exemplify a seamless integration of form, function, and historical context. This delicate balance between innovation and reverence for the past ensures that each space within the complex is imbued with significance and purpose. 

The Requalification Vision: 

The project breathes new life into the historic monastery, transforming it into a beacon of culture and spirituality that dialogues with the modern era. This revitalization respects the sacredness and historical layers of the site, while introducing contemporary urbanistic and architectural elements that speak to today's societal and cultural rhythms. It's a testament to the transformative power of architecture in reimagining heritage spaces for new generations. 

Lead Architects: Álvaro Siza and Rita Frois do Amaral

Colaboradores: Cristina Ferreirinha José Luís Carvalho Gomes Maria Souto Moura Paulo Silva Javier Nuñes / Célia Peces

Photography Credits: Filipe Braga

Website: http://www.filipebraga.com/