Picture: Maíra Acayaba

Written by Helena Tourinho | Translated by Diogo Simões

The tradition of modern architecture confirms that building roofs are usable spaces as significant as indoor areas. After all, the garden terrace is one of the five points of new architecture, according to Le Corbusier. Although he popularized the concept, the use of rooftops dates back even earlier, encompassing various roles across time, from lookouts for ancestral astronomical studies to more contemporary cultivation areas, passing through the bureaucratic accommodation of electrical and sanitary installations. By offering open space and direct sky access, building roofs have evolved. In dense urban landscapes, converting this space into a leisure area is a logical choice.

Flat roofs are unnecessary where the area or surrounding density does not impose limitations. That does not mean they are not to be used: some projects capitalize on the available space to enhance options for living and relaxation. The bucolic and contemplative ideal prevails in Corbusier’s style, with a few armchairs and plants. Nevertheless, the expansive and unobstructed area also hints at gatherings and celebrations on suitable occasions, emphasizing the potential for social interaction and panoramic views. After all, one of the rooftop’s benefits lies in its elevated vantage point compared to the house’s entrance.

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