2008 Ibere Camargo Foundation

On a narrow plot near the Guaíba River in Brazil stands the Iberê Camargo Foundation, designed by Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza. At the 2003 Venice Architecture Biennial, the design for the Foundation won The Golden Lion Award. Siza says of his project, “Although each detail is important, the governing feature is the totality. Equilibrium is the underlying quality for architecture.”

The building's design consists of white reinforced-concrete construction throughout, without the use of bricks or sealing elements. All the power and service ducts are located inside the walls, insulated by
fiberglass, which allows the installation of dimmable
sockets and lighting anywhere in the rooms. The basement contains the building's infrastructure, including parking, all utilities, an auditorium, a print studio, classrooms, and a research and information center for Camargo's works. An on site sewage treatment center will provide treated water for irrigation of the surrounding green space. Care is also being taken of the 16,000 square meter native forest next to the building, complete with paths for visitors.