Do real ao abstracto, do abstracto à matéria. Projecto de um Centro Paroquial

Abstract

In this work, it is explained the architectural design's process of a parish centrefor São Miguel do Mato, Arouca. It is a new space which aims to support religiousactivities, that should be related with the surrounding area and induce some changesto the current reality.The Casa dos Mordomos, a pre-existing construction inside the perimeter ofthe intervention area, serves as a starting point to the design process. Through theanalysis of the work developed, some solutions are pointed out for the project, in apermanent search that includes the study of other architectures as a reference.Divided into five chapters, this master thesis is structured in a narrative whichintends to provide the reader a contextualisation of what sets the final proposal. Thepurpose of this work is to develop the architectural project and to explore the processthat composes the entire design narrative. It seeks to reflect on the developmentof the project and to clarify some questions related to the site, the commission,the program and the religious function. It constantly alternates between differentrealities, approaches either directed to the problems raised in the project, or seekingclarification and new perspectives to look at reality.The work peaks with the project's drawings, presented in different scales andlevels of detail, as a synthesis of the entire process.