Between the Krajcberg Center and the Cais das Artes: Mendes da Rocha's Design Strategies based on Comparative Morphological Analysis

Abstract

This article aims to present the methodological approach and results of academic research that seeks to identify design strategies used by Mendes da Rocha in the composition of architectural projects with a cultural profile, based on the development of a comparative and qualitative morphological analysis between the Krajcberg Center and Cais das Artes projects. The methodological adopted procedure based on the reading of works in stages with the aim of providing a basic understanding and allowing for comparison. and interpretation of data obtained in a digital environment. The use of georeferenced data processing and redesign tools, considering the use of computer-assisted programs was also helpful to advances typological understanding via "bar type" patterns' diagrams and redrawing techniques. Thus, after the development of the reading of each of the two projects, it will be possible to proceed, as a conclusive step, with a comparison in order to identify predominant design strategies. The results obtained from comparative analysis and on the architectural scale indicate the existence of patterns in the architect's work and, therefore, of design strategies regarding the development of cultural projects, such as volumetric composition with pure solids predominantly by addition, programmatic dissolution, longitudinal circulation devices, and elevated accesses such as walkways and ramps.