Daycare Centres in Lisbon by Summary

The Portuguese architecture practice Summary has designed a prototype daycare centre based on a prefabricated, modular system of U-shaped, reinforced concrete elements. The architects' design is based on an initiative by the Lisbon city administration to build nurseries in various districts of the city. The design is based on a constructive principle that can be applied in a standardised way. This allows the various projects to be realised economically and with a high degree of recognition. Implementation is also faster: a total of four nurseries were built in just 13 months. 

U-shaped reinforced concrete elements allow for different spatial configurations. © Fernando Guerra

The daycare centres are based on a prefabricated modular system. U-shaped reinforced concrete elements can be arranged in various configurations to create different rooms. This principle also results in an abstract tectonic structure that is visible on the exterior of all four centres. Two groups of overlapping U-shaped modules form layers of space to accommodate various uses. In between these layers is a central access axis with stairs and a lift. 

Part of the building services can be seen through a mesh sheet in the form of a metal sculpture. © Fernando Guerra

The children's group rooms are spread over two floors. Those on the ground floor offer direct access to the garden, while those on the first floor have loggias that provide a connection to the outside. Despite the modular aesthetic, the use of different colours creates a subtly playful character. One example is the yellow outdoor area, which is attached to one of the side wings. Above this is part of the building services, which, despite being shielded by coloured mesh, can be seen as an appealingly chaotic metal sculpture.