Factory Building

Álvaro Siza, 1994

The large and simple brick building designed by Álvaro Siza is reminiscent of anonymous factory buildings from the 19th century and is extremely unobtrusive in comparison to the other buildings on the grounds. The most eye-catching feature of the building is its curved bridge roof, which connects the building to the neighbouring one. It is so high that it does not obstruct the view of the Fire Station by Zaha Hadid and automatically lowers in rainy weather, thus protecting the logistics vehicles on their way to the Grimshaw building. With its brick facing, Álvaro Siza’s production facility makes reference to the production hall that burned down in 1981.

About the architect

Álvaro Siza, born in Matosinhos, Portugal, in 1933, studied architecture at the University of Porto. From 1955-58, he collaborated with architect Fernando Tavora. From 1966-69, Álvaro Siza taught at the School of Architecture (ESBAP), as of 1976 he held a professorship in the “Construction” Department. From 1984-92 he was a teacher at the Architecture Faculty in Porto, in 1985 he won a prize in Venice for his design “Campo de Marte“ and as of 1988 he was in charge of reconstructing the old town “Chiado” in Lisbon. In 1992, Álvaro Siza won the Hyatt Foundation’s Pritzker Architecture Prize for his life’s work. He teaches in South America, Japan, Canada, the USA and Europe.

Further Projects for Vitra:

Discover the Vitra Campus