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Samuel Gonçalves uses concrete sewer pipes as functional elements presented at Venice Biennale

Italy Architecture News - Jun 09, 2016 - 14:53   13044 views

Samuel Gonçalves uses concrete sewer pipes as functional elements presented at Venice Biennale

Portugal-based architect Samuel Gonçalves, founder of the SUMMARY studio, created an installation by using concrete sewer pipes used in existing infrastructures. Samuel Gonçalves turned these infrastructural concrete blocks into a functional-diplaying space that also transforms itself an exhibited art piece at the Arsenale of Venice Architecture Biennale. Titled ''infrastructure-structure-architecture'', the project proves how existing infrastructural elements, sources, basics can be used for new functions in public spaces, which may be transported easily from one place to another. 

Video © Building Pictures

The Biennale exhibits two infrastructural pieces and a Gomos System piece, so that we can get to know some elements that are part of its core. This installation also includes a table set with two screens that simultaneously play two videos made by Building Pictures. These videos are exclusive of the exhibition and they allow a comparison between the constructive process of the infrastructure as well as the constructive process of Gomos System itself. 

Image © Tiago Casanova

The project consists of a flexible and evolutionary constructive system based on concrete units. It’s a modular system in which each module comes completely ready from factory with all its finishes and equipments and it’s all assembled in loco. Thus it allows us to raise buildings in 3 months (3 days on site), within a period 7 times lower than Portugal’s building-rate average, without compromising its structural quality.

Image © Tiago Casanova

''It’s not about inventing, but about reinterpreting - we take a pre-existent constructive system often used in water drainage infrastructures and we transpose it to a habitable constructive system. In structural matters as well as constructive ones, Gomos System is identical to reinforced concrete water pipes'' says Samuel Gonçalves.

Image © Building Pictures

Image © Building Pictures

Samuel Gonçalves uses concrete sewer pipes as functional elements presented at Venice Biennale

Image © Building Pictures

Image © Summary

Image © Summary

Samuel Gonçalves uses concrete sewer pipes as functional elements presented at Venice Biennale

Image © Summary

Samuel Gonçalves uses concrete sewer pipes as functional elements presented at Venice Biennale

Image © Summary

Samuel Gonçalves uses concrete sewer pipes as functional elements presented at Venice Biennale

Image © Summary

Samuel Gonçalves uses concrete sewer pipes as functional elements presented at Venice Biennale

Image © Summary

Samuel Gonçalves uses concrete sewer pipes as functional elements presented at Venice Biennale

Image © Summary

Samuel Gonçalves uses concrete sewer pipes as functional elements presented at Venice Biennale

Image © Summary

Samuel Gonçalves uses concrete sewer pipes as functional elements presented at Venice Biennale

Image © Summary

Samuel Gonçalves uses concrete sewer pipes as functional elements presented at Venice Biennale

Image © Summary

Samuel Gonçalves uses concrete sewer pipes as functional elements presented at Venice Biennale

Image © Summary

Project Facts

Architecture: SUMMARY / Samuel Gonçalves

Engineering: GeoXL, Engineering and Innovative Solutions

Prefabrication and assembly: Farcimar, Soluções em Pré-Fabricados de Betão

Construction and Components: AECA – Associação Empresarial de Cambra e Arouca 

Category: Constructive / Housing System

Predominant materials: Reinforced Concrete, Wood, Slate

Partners: Arouca City Council / Oporto City Council / UPTEC

Client: Municipality of Arouca

Trading: Farcimar, Soluções em Pré-Fabricados de Betão

Location: Venice Biennale of Architecture (2016)

Top image © Tiago Casanova

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