Alto Tâmega Tourism Info Point, Chaves Timber Building, North Portugal Architecture Photos, Architect
Alto Tâmega Tourism Info Point in Chaves
10 Aug 2021
Design: AND-RÉ Arquitectura
Location: Chaves, north of Portugal

Alto Tâmega Tourism Info Point
The Alto Tâmega Tourism Info Point, open since september 2020, is the result of a public competition organized by the Intermunicipal Community of Alto Tâmega (CIMAT) that aimed for a Tourism Info Point that represented each of the six municipalities that compose it (Boticas, Chaves, Montalegre, Ribeira de Pena, Valpaços and Vila Pouca de Aguiar).

Set in the Tabolado Garden, in Chaves, the building with approximately 100 sqm, with a circular plan, is built using a structural base of timber pillars and beams over a concrete slab and is completely covered in timber battens.
The circular timber building relates to its natural surroundings, bringing to its core concept the image that this region represents. The simplicity of the program mirrors itself in the shape of the building, resulting in a clarity of functions and a clear reading of the touristic contents.

The circle shaped plan is drawn as a natural consequence, answering the both the practical (the visitors path and the even display on information) and the formal issues, a building that is both related to the urban and natural landscape of its setting.

The spaces are organized along one main axis that starts with an outdoor covered space, the first contact w...