ABSTRACT
Francisco da Conceição Silva was a prolific Portuguese architect and a leading figure in the consolidation of tourism as one of Portugal’s main economic strengths in the 1960s. Despite being a distant reference in the Portuguese star-studded architectural universe, Conceição Silva’s work is regarded as influential because it successfully combines highly qualified design - approached as a multidisciplinary activity - with significant commercial achievement. His work is especially remarkable in its sensitivity to handling materials such as concrete and wood; his ability regarding spatial distribution is also noticeable, using mainly a centrifugal spiral disposition, which is the subject of this paper.
Developed from the analysis of the architect’s residential and hospitality projects - such as the Dafundo House, the Boca do Inferno House, the Alfragide housing complex, and the Balaia Hotel - the paper intends to highlight his sensitivity to dynamically organizing daily living through subtle spatial progression, manifested by the seamless transition of spaces, height variations, and centrifugal spiral plans. Conceição Silva’s work is a reminder that the usefulness of a room can be found not only in the enclosure but also in articulation.
The article is based on the analysis of documental sources, especially the Conceição Silva estate, currently under the conservation of CIAUD – FAUL.
