Nova Rectory

Nova Rectory in Lisbon, Portugal by Aieres Mateus

The new rectory building at the New University of Lisbon houses the school's administration in one building consisting of a nine-story vertical slab and a three-story, below-grade section that follows the contours of the site. Designed by Manuel and Francisco Aieres Mateus, the extremely thin slab presents a completely blank facade on one long side, giving the impression of a two-dimensional stone mass.

Moving around the building, a glass end exhibits the simple cross section of the slab, a single-loaded corridor with offices. These office look through long, randomly-spaced windows toward the main section of the campus. A slot running the length of this face draws a line between the upper and lower portions, while functionally bringing light to the deep interior spaces.

The long facade with the random, slot openings is definitely the building's most distinctive aspect. This "punch-card" architecture is a welcome surprise after encountering the blank wall on the opposite side of the slab. The architects explain that the arrangement of windows is "so as not to allow one to fully perceive its many levels." Tucked under the tiers of steps that lead to a plaza at the level of the adjacent campus are larger spaces, such as an auditorium.

The separation of functional aspects into vertical and horizontal based on size is the generator of the design and its greatest success. This allows the building to use the natural slope of the site to its advantage, and to the advantage of the campus as a connector. While the plaza appears hard and harsh, hopefully over time it will soften with regular use and the influence of the university for which it serves.