To Work is a project that entails the adaptive reuse of a former launderette, transforming it into a workspace while operating under constrained resources. The design philosophy emphasizes the reinterpretation of the existing structure and its historical layers, viewing the past as a critical component of the intervention. The shop, which has remained vacant for an extended period, exhibits physical traces of its former uses, manifesting in the wear and marks left by previous occupants. These historical vestiges are deliberately preserved, with select objects repurposed as symbolic relics, thereby maintaining a tangible connection to the site's narrative.
A notable feature of the intervention is the introduction of a 'dark blue sky' on the ceiling, altering the vertical proportions of the space. This chromatic adjustment imbues the ceiling with a sense of 'weight' and recalls the site's historical association with water, subtly referencing the launderette’s original function. The ceiling, thus, is reimagined as an active architectural element that engages with the user’s spatial experience.
To facilitate flexibility within the open-plan space, three movable curtains are incorporated, enabling a dynamic spatial organization. These elements allow for the modulation of visual relationships within the space, creating zones of privacy or openness as required. The spatial reconfiguration, governed by these movable partitions, introduces a layer of adaptability while retaining the integrity of the open plan.
The interventions, though modest in scale, contribute to a nuanced complexity that reactivates the 'dormant' space, fostering a renewed sense of energy and engagement. The project thus seeks to enhance spatial quality and user experience through subtle yet deliberate architectural moves, all while maintaining a respectful dialogue with the site’s historical context.
2023
Location: Coimbra, Portugal
Programme: Working Space
Surface: 35m2
Status: Built
Client: Private
With: Duarte Miranda & Joana Martins Photography: Federico Farinatti