SAAL BOUÇA SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECT

I haven’t been to many far-off places. Studying architecture doesn’t leave much time for running around in the real world. But when I finished my studies, I took off to Portugal hoping to see some of Álvaro Siza’s work. Which I did. And I was in awe. The tidal pool, tea house, and architecture school in Porto were all on my itinerary, and there are plenty of books on his work filled with images taken on the most perfect day, with tidy rooms and plenty of natural light. But the image I have is of his SAAL Bouça Social Housing Complex. It was taken on a typical day in winter, and I think it is beautiful.

I stumbled onto the complex, marvelling at this beautiful staircase, not realising what I was looking at, when one of the residents noticed me. In very basic English, and very kindly, he said to me, ‘Important architect. Beautiful building. I live here.’ And that’s when I knew.

Good architecture doesn’t need to shout or ask for your attention, but give it a moment of your time and it will surprise you.

RESE BOSHOFF Architect Vivid Architects www.vividarchitects.co.za