As part of the competition launched by the University of Évora for its new Health Centre, this entry by CLOU architects envisions a porous, village-like campus where health and education are integrated through shared public spaces under a continuous canopy.
An Open Campus for Health and Community
This competition proposal for the Health Centre of the University of Évora envisions a new model of academic architecture rooted in community and spatial openness. Conceived as a fragmented village beneath a unifying canopy, the scheme creates a series of shaded courtyards, terraces, and informal gathering spaces that extend learning into the public realm. Awarded the WAFX Prize at the World Architecture Festival, the project highlights how architecture can promote accessibility, interaction, and shared use, fostering stronger ties between the university and its surrounding community.
A Dispersed Campus Connected by Canopy and Plazas
Set within the historic context of Évora, the proposal departs from the notion of a singular institutional building. Instead, it adopts a dispersed layout of low-rise volumes linked by a continuous canopy, forming an interconnected sequence of plazas and alleyways. These semi-public spaces support both formal and informal activity, encouraging spontaneous interaction across academic, healthcare, and civic uses.
A Flexible Social Hub at the Heart of the Campus
At the heart of the campus is a flexible, light-filled hub for gathering and teaching. Connected to outdoor terraces, this social core enables seamless transitions between interior and exterior environments, reinforcing the role of the centre as a communal platform.
Prioritising Permeability and Inclusive Circulation
The design prioritises permeability and inclusiveness. Circulation routes are layered and open, inviting occupation from both students and the wider public. Learning spaces are non-hierarchical and adaptable, fostering collaboration and a sense of shared ownership.
Rooted in Local Morphology and Architectural Language
Rooted in urban morphology and local architectural references, the proposal reinterprets traditional elements such as pergolas to provide shade and comfort, making the campus usable year-round. The result is a socially driven environment that brings together education, health, and community under one canopy.
A Vision to Inspire Future Healthcare Projects
Although this is a vision concept project, CLOU architects is pleased that it can help open up discussions around community integration and biophilic architecture as pathways to enhance well-being. The team hopes to carry these ideas forward and explore them in future healthcare projects.