Thisispaper Community
Join today.
Enter your email address to receive the latest news on emerging art, design, lifestyle and tech from Thisispaper, delivered straight to your inbox.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Instant access to new channels
The top stories curated daily
Weekly roundups of what's important
Weekly roundups of what's important
Original features and deep dives
Exclusive community features
Thisispaper+ Member
Centre for Interpretation of Jewish Culture by Gonçalo Byrne Arquitectos
Dates:
Centre for Interpretation of Jewish Culture by Gonçalo Byrne Arquitectos
@zaxarovcom
Sep 3, 2023

In a trifecta of history, architecture, and cultural respect, the Centre for Interpretation of Jewish Culture Isaac Cardoso, designed by Gonçalo Byrne Arquitectos, emerges as a poignant homage to Trancoso's Jewish past.

This remarkable edifice not only captures the essence of a community but serves as a dialogical space between past and present, located in the rich context of one of Portugal’s “Historical Villages.”

Divided into three distinct zones—each characterized by its unique architectural language—the city of Trancoso is a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Gonçalo Byrne Arquitectos, no stranger to the city's architecture, having been previously commissioned for several projects, chose a compact triangular ruin in the historic former Jewish quarter for this undertaking. This setting functions as a silent, yet powerful narrator, informing visitors of a lineage that stretches back to the 14th century.

The Centre occupies a strategic vantage point at the intersection of Rua do Poço dos Mestres and Travessa do Poço do Mestre. It's an architectural intervention that simultaneously blends and stands out—its acute angle opens up the field of vision along both narrow streets, making its presence subtly felt yet respectfully deferential to its surroundings.

Externally, the Centre’s construction features irregular stereotomy of granite stones, punctuated by few openings—a nod to the fortified nature of the historic city. The result is an exterior that appears to be a solid mass, harmonizing with the surrounding buildings while adding an element of gravitas.

Inside, visitors encounter spaces that evoke the feeling of "voids carved inside a large stone prism." The pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the main room, modeled after the Sephardic Synagogue. Taking inspiration from the Synagogue of Tomar, the room’s ceiling is a masterful composition of complex geometry. Skylights work in conjunction with wooden panels to filter and reflect a soft, golden light that enriches the sanctity of the space.

Interested in Showcasing Your Work?

If you would like to feature your works on Thisispaper, please visit our Submission page and sign up to Thisispaper+ to submit your work. Once your submission is approved, your work will be showcased to our global audience of 2 million art, architecture, and design professionals and enthusiasts.
No items found.
We love less
but there is more.
Become a Thisispaper+ member today to unlock full access to our magazine, advanced tools, and support our work.
Join Thisispaper+
No items found.
@zaxarovcom
Sep 3, 2023

In a trifecta of history, architecture, and cultural respect, the Centre for Interpretation of Jewish Culture Isaac Cardoso, designed by Gonçalo Byrne Arquitectos, emerges as a poignant homage to Trancoso's Jewish past.

This remarkable edifice not only captures the essence of a community but serves as a dialogical space between past and present, located in the rich context of one of Portugal’s “Historical Villages.”

Divided into three distinct zones—each characterized by its unique architectural language—the city of Trancoso is a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Gonçalo Byrne Arquitectos, no stranger to the city's architecture, having been previously commissioned for several projects, chose a compact triangular ruin in the historic former Jewish quarter for this undertaking. This setting functions as a silent, yet powerful narrator, informing visitors of a lineage that stretches back to the 14th century.

The Centre occupies a strategic vantage point at the intersection of Rua do Poço dos Mestres and Travessa do Poço do Mestre. It's an architectural intervention that simultaneously blends and stands out—its acute angle opens up the field of vision along both narrow streets, making its presence subtly felt yet respectfully deferential to its surroundings.

Externally, the Centre’s construction features irregular stereotomy of granite stones, punctuated by few openings—a nod to the fortified nature of the historic city. The result is an exterior that appears to be a solid mass, harmonizing with the surrounding buildings while adding an element of gravitas.

Inside, visitors encounter spaces that evoke the feeling of "voids carved inside a large stone prism." The pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the main room, modeled after the Sephardic Synagogue. Taking inspiration from the Synagogue of Tomar, the room’s ceiling is a masterful composition of complex geometry. Skylights work in conjunction with wooden panels to filter and reflect a soft, golden light that enriches the sanctity of the space.

Interested in Showcasing Your Work?

If you would like to feature your works on Thisispaper, please visit our Submission page and subscribe to Thisispaper+. Once your submission is approved, your work will be showcased to our global audience of 2 million art, architecture, and design professionals and enthusiasts.
Introducing OS
An intimate space which helps creative minds thrive.
Discover. Share. Embrace.
Thisispaper Shop
Shop Now
Thisispaper+
Portugal Guide
40+ Locations
Web Access
Link to Maps
40+ Locations
Mobile Access
Apple/Google Maps
portugal
travel
architecture
art
museum
Exploring Portugal’s architecture through the lens of modernism, the following guide showcases a selection of incredible building projects across the country. When traveling through its many cities and towns, visitors can capture a glimpse of how context, design culture and innovation create new concepts and spaces.
Explore
Portugal Guide
Thisispaper+Travel Guides
Discover the most inspiring places and stories through carefully-curated travel guides.
Explore all GuidesExplore channels