University of Coimbra presents renovation plan for AAC complex
The preliminary design was unveiled on 16 June at the Student Hub, Campus I.
Described as “Utilitarian and modern architecture of the 1950s” by the Architectural Heritage Information System, or “too modern for its time” by architect Gonçalo Byrne, the Academic Association of Coimbra (AAC- Coimbra Students Union/Associação Académica de Coimbra) is on its way to another major renovation.
The preliminary design, developed by Byrne, was presented at the Hybrid Auditorium of the Student Hub on 16 June. The proposal includes a redesigned entrance, new stairways, lifts, and emergency exits, as well as a new structure. The upper floor of the new building will offer a study area, while the ground floor will bring back the bar/cafeteria. The surrounding garden is also set to be restructured.
The goal is to enhance safety, functionality, and comfort for all users of the space. Still, given the building’s classification as part of the University of Coimbra’s UNESCO World Heritage site, the process will be anything but simple. “This will never be an easy project”, acknowledged UC Rector Amílcar Falcão, highlighting the complexity of the work involved. For this reason, he stressed the importance of “a shared commitment to restoring and safeguarding this heritage”.
The presentation was part of Sons da Cidade [Sounds of the City], an event celebrating the anniversary of the “University of Coimbra, Alta and Sofia” being listed as a World Heritage Site". According to Alfredo Dias, UC Vice-Rector for Heritage, Buildings and Tourism, the session aimed to “foster awareness and discussion” on the future of the AAC complex.
Dias stressed that the building is no longer fit for purpose for the needs of the university community: "The growing range of activities hosted here is incompatible with the state of the infrastructure," he said, adding that "it's time to consider more effective solutions, as seen at the Student Hub".
This was also highlighted by the Vice-Rector for Culture, Communication and Open Science, Delfim Leão, who noted the symbolic importance of holding the event in this location. “It’s quite significant that this presentation is happening here,” he said. ‘The hillside between the AAC and the Student Hub will become the University’s cultural corridor – the space where its culture will breathe most freely.’
The presentation of the preliminary study also included a debate on the future of the AAC complex.
