Ještěd in a cage 14 - nominated projects

```html Anna Hrušová / Coworking for Porto

4th year - bachelor thesis

atelier Suchomel / Šaml

Portugese cities are living organisms, but the passionate Portuguese atmosphere is slowly evaporating from Porto. Therefore, the Coworking for Porto project aims not only to create a functioning coworking center but also to awaken the currently sleepy part of the city with the most beautiful view of the opposite bank of the river, inhabited by port wine factories. The philosophy of coworking is to attract and connect young talented people who would otherwise never come into contact. The background of the project is supported by a much more general idea. This is the possibility of connecting a modern approach to everyday work activities with the wider public’s interest in public spaces so that even a mere passerby can be reached by the coworking space and idea.
Portugal's second-largest city, Porto, is located in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and the Douro River. The river divides the area into two parts which complement each other. On one side lies the cultural and historical center of Porto, while on the other bank of the river, in the urban agglomeration of Vila Nova de Gaia, there are factories producing port wine, which seamlessly transition into quieter residential areas.
The project arose from an international competition aimed at reviving and revitalizing the surroundings of the historic center and providing young professionals with a workspace that meets current trends. For this purpose, an unused area above the Douro River was chosen. The project site is located beyond the walls of the historic city center, overlooking the Eiffel Bridge and the aforementioned opposite bank of the Douro River, which belongs to the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. The area under consideration is illustrated by a situational map.
The task was to create not only a functioning coworking center but also to generally awaken the currently sleepy part of the city with the most beautiful view of the opposite bank of the river inhabited by port wine factories. The building is intended mainly for work activities.
The philosophy of coworking is to attract and connect young talented people who would otherwise never come into contact. The background of the project is supported by a much more general idea. This is the possibility of connecting a modern approach to everyday work activities and the wider public's interest in public spaces so that even a mere passerby can be reached by the coworking space and idea. Therefore, the working complex offers both private workspaces and publicly accessible sections. The diversity of the site is described by an atmospheric map that highlights individual specifics of the area.
The most significant limitation of the space is the road that arcs through the entire plot. It divides it into a part under the bridge and a part above the bridge, with the quieter part under the bridge overlooking the opposite bank of the river. The terrain gradually rises to the level of the road, changing the tranquility and degree of privacy surprisingly offered by the mentioned bridge.
For this reason, I sought to find a positive stance towards the striking (and at first glance negative) element of the road, leading to the utilization of the calm private workspace under the bridge and the creation of publicly accessible parts in the upper part of the plot.
The tranquil part under the bridge can be perceived as a terrace with a view. It is bordered by an old ornamental wall, leading to a dramatic slope of the terrain down to the Douro River.
The new conception of the previously unused land contrasts the old stone wall with remnants of windows and a gate with three arched entrances at the northeastern part of the site. It not only delineates the plot but also maintains a certain sense of mystery and raises the figurative question of “what might have happened here before,” even though, according to historical photographs, nothing has ever been here.
Apart from the key separation of the land by the road, a significant aspect of the design is the scale of the surrounding buildings. Nearby is Praca de Ribeira, a square which, along with other landmarks, is included in the UNESCO list. The historical appearance of the city emphasizes the architectural elements of colorful Portuguese architecture. The buildings consist of small urban houses, mostly no more than three stories high. The small houses in the vicinity determine the overall size of the proposed complex, which is designed with regard to the current character of this part of the city. The overall design is spread over several levels, following the terrain and thereby minimizing disruption to the existing buildings.
The complex consists of a semi-enclosed area which offers both freely accessible public parts and private workspaces. In the building that opens the complex from the west, there is an administrative base with a conference room, which directly adjoins a small courtyard facing north. One floor up is dedicated to coworking. Coworking that focuses on small firms and individuals who are eager to connect with similar companies. There are 3 offices of different sizes, with one shared central space. This space serves the purpose of meeting and establishing connections between individual companies.
The central area is separated from the administrative part by a staircase and is divided into a part located under the bridge and a part placed under the square. The main entrance is at the foot of the staircase. The spaces are complemented by an underground parking lot, accessible from the western end of the complex. This underground parking occupies the area beneath the administrative office and the central part of the first floor.
A visitor who comes to the coworking center first registers at the reception. Here, they have the option to leave unnecessary things in nearby lockers. They then follow the main aisle where they can begin to scout for their workspace.
The main working space is located beneath the bridge structure. Since the terrain under the bridge slopes slightly, it follows this, resulting in a natural stratification of the individual working parts. These are divided into seven sectors with five elevation levels. Despite the communal nature of the space, it offers several distinct atmospheres. The calmest and most sheltered are the first and last sectors. Thanks to their corner positions, they are the only ones formed by walls perpendicular to each other, creating a higher sense of calm. As one moves towards the center of the workspace, each section becomes increasingly open. Each work level also has a terrace with a row of trees and an old stone wall. From here is one of the most beautiful views of the opposite bank, towards the city of Vila Nova de Gaia, the Eiffel Bridge, and the winding Douro River.
Adjacent to the working space is a facility with technical support for the coworking. Here, visitors can print or copy and also use small group rooms for smaller meetings and gatherings.
The second half of the floor is more tranquil and recreational. It features a circular atrium that provides a pleasant atmosphere for light refreshments or relaxation with coffee. For these purposes, there is a kitchenette with a pantry and also a room with a coffee maker, equipped with armchairs and sofas. This space is designed as a natural setting for coworker meetings, where individuals interested in forming new relationships and connections can collaborate on new projects.
Above this floor is a square with a small café, from where there is also a view of the opposite bank of the river and the entire valley. The visual barrier separating the square from the busy