Monolithic trio: Saya Park by Àlvaro Siza and Carlos Castanheira

The 'Saya Park' project runs through an area of woodland in the Korean province of Gyeongsang like a monolithic concrete sculpture. As such it consists of a three-part complex made up of an art pavilion, a chapel and an observation tower, all jointly designed by Àlvaro Siza and Carlos Castanheira.

The 'Art Pavilion' comprises a variety of art galleries and exhibition spaces. On entering, visitors first arrive at a library contained in a separate volume. The cave-like Art Pavilion consists of two long narrow sections connected by a tunnel, with high concrete walls, rectilinear shapes and an interplay of light and shade lending structure to the interior.

The chapel, designed as a "space for internal beauty and introspection", is embedded in a slope and aligned to the east to capture the first rays of the morning sun.  The observation tower, as yet not realised, is to be erected on a small hill to provide glimpses into the deep valley landscape.

Further information:

Portugal Office: CC&CB, Arquitectos

Collaborators: Rita Ferreira, Diana Vasconcelos, Luíza Felizardo, Nuno Rodrigues, Filipa Guedes

Consultants: HDP – Paulo Fidalgo ( Structure)