Implementation of the latest projects of architect Alvaro Siza in Portugal,
A steel watchtower about 16 meters high, designed by the prominent architect “Alvaro Siza”.
Alvaro Siza pioneered clarity and simplicity in architectural designs,
as the tower is built with a lightweight steel structure that features photovoltaic panels on the roof.
The watchtower in Portugal is located in Serra das Talhadas in the municipality of Proença-a-Nova.
It is part of a larger project that includes several structures dedicated to ecotourism in the region, including the Miradouro do Zebro..
The tower is Álvaro Sisa’s latest project, and differs significantly from most of his previous works in both size and materials.
It is slender and divided into platforms at different heights and echoes the memory of an old and humble watchtower made of tubular steel.
The old tower was standing in the same place,
and the new tower was modernised with the latest technology and solar panels were installed to generate electricity.
Siza was unable to attend the opening ceremony on June 13 due to health issues
but was represented by architect Rita Amaral,
who followed the entire design process from the start.
The former tower was part of a nature trail within Geopark Naturtejo,
a Unified Geographical Area recognized by UNESCO.
Due to the presence of sites and landscapes of international geological importance,
they have been managed with a comprehensive concept of protection, education and sustainable development.
A ramp was also built to aid in aerial sports as well as a new control tower,
paving the longest route through the ferrata in Portugal.
The road is 1,600 meters long and connects Miradouro dos Carregais to the Siza Vieira Tower.
One of the highlights
This work is considered a landmark in Portugal as it is the first work of the architect “Alvaro Sesa Vieira” in this region.
It is added to his various works around the world, and is his first work in terms of metal structures.”
Through this work Siza introduced the idea of accepting the challenge of development,
by being able to do things differently each time he took leaps in evolution.
Siza was able to turn the observation point into an architectural landmark and a new tourist destination, as his watchtower is considered a work of the future.
The most important works of the architect “Alvaro Siza” in Portugal:
- Four houses in Matosinhos, Porto, Portugal in 1954.
- The complex of public swimming pools (called Piscinas de Marés) for Leça da Palmeira, a fishing town and summer resort located north of Porto.
- Planning a housing project in the rural outskirts of the city, one of the projects for SAAL (Serviço de Apoio Ambulatório Local), the national housing association.
Who is Alvaro Sisa, the designer of the project?
Alvaro Sisa Vieira, better known as Alvaro Sisa, was born in Matosinhos, near Porto (Portugal), on June 25, 1933.
Álvaro Siza studied architecture at the University of Porto’s School of Architecture from 1949 to 1955.
Siza was educated by the Portuguese architect and university professor “Fernando Tavora”.
