Aires Mateus - Project for a house in Alvalde, 2000. Something that has always interested me about the work of Aires Mateus is the relationship between solid and void in their projects. While also apparent in their built work, their models and drawings show a fascination and rigorous exploration of the relationship between programmed and interstitial spaces. Areas such as circulation paths, which can often be overlooked and treated as a more pragmatic constraint, are exploited to create unique spacial experiences and powerful moments. New lines of communication between inhabited areas are created by the careful dissection of volumetric solids, and the numerous passages that divide the rooms provide occupants the ability to continually re-experience their space. Images from here.
