Universidade Lusófona de Cabo Verde

From hotel conversion to academic hub in Cabo Verde.

Selected for “Habitar Portugal 06_08” by the Portuguese Order of Architects, in the Construction in International Territory category.

The project for Universidade Lusófona Baltasar Lopes da Silva, in Cabo Verde, was developed to adapt and extend an existing building, previously used as a hotel, to accommodate new university facilities. The intervention sought to transform a pre-existing structure into a new academic hub, capable of supporting the institution’s growth and strengthening its presence within the surrounding urban context.

extension façade defined by the rhythm of openings and passive solar control strategies suited to the local climate
the original façade before the project
building entrance, where the new intervention establishes continuity with the existing structure through a simple and integrated language

The proposal introduced new teaching and social spaces, reorganizing the building in a clear and functional way while establishing a more open relationship with the exterior. The extension adopted a simple and contemporary architectural language, designed to respond to local climate conditions and ensure flexibility for future campus developments, creating a balanced relationship between the existing building and the new intervention.

Client
COFAC, Cooperativa de Formação e Animação Cultural CRL
Year
2006
Status
Done
Address
Mindelo, São Vicente, Cabo Verde
Architecture
André Ferreira, Joana Castanheira, Gonçalo Valente
Team
Joana Ribeiro
Construction area
1800sqm
Engineering
Enasul
Constructor
Armando Cunha SA
Photography
Posto 9

Projects that balance technical rigor, function and place.

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