Picture: Rafael Gamo

Written by Helena Tourinho | Translated by Diogo Simões

There are many ways to define architecture, from the most technical to the most poetic. It uses many aspects within its context: space, program, tectonics, and gesture, which refers to the stroke, the drawing, and the design. Perhaps the quick sketch that comes to mind when talking about gesture is that of shelter: a cut or elevation, with human scale, of vertical enclosures and coverings.

The most common shelter idea involves covering: a plan for protecting living beings from inclement weather and danger, and sealing buildings. The covering fulfills the sealing function and responds to local peculiarities. Currently, diverse construction systems for coverings allow exploring forms, combinations, and materials to achieve the project’s objective. Different materials frequently used in construction have distinct characteristics, with advantages and disadvantages, and offer multiple possibilities according to each case’s demand.

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