Interpretation Centre for Risk of Fire. Casa da Floresta by Jorge Bártolo, Arquitetura

Description of project by Jorge Bártolo, Arquitetura

The Interpretation Centre for Risk of Fire was created for the portuguese National Forestry Authority, in a project financed by the EEA Grants, to host its new scholar program. 

The project, located in Serra da Boa Viagem, a beautiful hill in the center-north of the country, consisted in the renovation of an old pre-existing building, alongside the creation of new spaces to accommodate a media room and new services and storage areas. 

Considered a pilot-project, this “Forest House” intents to be an example for other developing projects in other parts of the country, within the themes of fire prevention and forest preservation, by promoting activities for schools and families.

The old building is one of many built all over the country during “Estado Novo” for forest conservation and observation, and used to host the forest ranger and his family. 

The new construction adopted regular shapes and neutral materials, using the scale and simplicity of the new volumes to integrate the old building’s formal language. Inside, the renovated building acquired a new function and is now used for the learning and interaction activities, while the new volume accommodates the service areas. In the media room, colorful carpet tiles interact, mimicking the forest’s colors and textures. A printed canvas with tree images covers the walls and ceiling, complementing the forest atmosphere. Here kids can learn about fire hazards and how authorities deal with these problems, in a fun, playful and interactive environment.