Bibliotheca Municipal Álvaro de Campos

One of the most beautiful contemporary architectural projects in the Algarve is the Biblioteca Municipal Álvaro de Campos in Tavira opposite the Ermida de São Sebastião. This building, designed by architect Carrilho da Graca, stands on an almost completely filled-up triangular plot where the Tavira prison once used to be. In addition to the fact that the architect used the difficult plot very efficiently, he left the front facade of the prison and used it with respect for the context and subtly inserted it into his design.

It has resulted in a rational library with a pleasant outdoor space by the ingenious use of the old facade as a separation from the patio with garden where it is very pleasant to relax while reading a International newspaper or book or enjoying a drink from the bar.

Here not a harsh confrontation but - mainly due to the white-washed walls of both the prison and the new library - a harmonious composition, surrounded by rust-brown walls in Corten steel that frame the easy ascent to the higher square at the entrance.

Photos taken from website https://cm-tavira.pt/site/cultura/edificio/