This conceptual model is an analysis of the relationship between building and ground in Alvaro Siza’s Leica de Palmeira Pool in Porto, Portugal. The sectional model addresses Siza’s strategy on the site to level the existing site surfaces by pouring concrete, and to construct the bathhouse, walkways, and finally, the waterfront pool from the same material. The model is composed of  (2) 48” x 6” intersecting plexiglass transects. The varying sectional conditions of the pool and of the site itself are represented as three distinct  material elements; water (clear plastic), ground plane (black plastic), and poured concrete (white plastic).

With Laura Grenard
UTSOA, Fall 2011

Model Photos by Ben Ruggiero.

Pool location near Porto, Portugal

Figure/Ground Plan Diagram

Model Section

Model Detail

Overall Model