Arquivo Nacional Som
with Sofia Oliveira and Rui Taveira

2nd Place
Public Competition
Equipment | 1700m²
Mafra

The National Sound Archive (ANS) aims to provide the country with a hub where the processing and preservation of the currently dispersed sound documentary heritage can be carried out.

By its nature, the ANS is conceived as a building closed in upon itself, protecting its contents and processes. From this emerges an image of mass — a stone that will be carved and hollowed out according to programme requirements. Set upon a podium that addresses the uneven terrain, this monolith will house the National Sound Archive.

A necessarily pragmatic building gains, through these simple sculptural gestures, a distinct identity. It presents itself in its mission while contributing to the affirmation of Mafra as a place connected to sound and music.