UNUM - Oficina de Arquitetura
the architects in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
There is a very distinct identity in how the UNUM - Oficina de Arquitetura studio, based in Vila Nova de Gaia, thinks about the built environment. Our role at Ivo Tavares Studio has been to capture that essence, creating an architectural photography shoot that showcases this team's talent to the world. Read the text below to learn about the vision of these architects, and scroll down to the end of the page to see the projects we've already photographed with them.
In its appropriation, we believe that architecture plays a role in shaping human behavior. This idea is present in the architectural response we propose and guides the entire conceptual and working process.
Philosophy
We place people at the center of architectural thinking. Buildings exist for people’s appropriation. They are the ones who will use them, individually or collectively, and for that reason we believe that a building is always much more than just a good formal or functional response.
Our philosophy is to find, within architectural design, a conceptual synthesis that combines the beauty of form and the uniqueness of the project with the symbolism appropriate to its lived experience.
“I believe that architecture is an active instrument in shaping the way of life of a society. People live, enjoy themselves, and work in buildings designed by architects, and therefore architecture must contribute to building an excellent human experience and existence. That is the responsibility of architects, and that is my vision of architecture.”
— Architect Miguel Ibraim da Rocha, Founder of Oficina de Projectos de Arquitectura UNUM Lda
UNUM recognizes Portugal’s vast architectural and constructive tradition, and it is from this foundation that we seek a contemporary vision to address the architectural challenges entrusted to us.
Our work is always grounded in rigorous, ongoing study of how the architectural object can influence human behavior and the environment it inhabits. By understanding tradition, tectonics, and ultimately the building’s relationship with human beings, we are equipped to respond skillfully to contemporary challenges.