The expansion of the Study and Laboratory Center at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) in the Asprela Hub addresses the growing demand for high-quality academic infrastructure. With over two decades of presence in the area, FEUP aims to strengthen its position as a center of excellence in engineering, attracting talent and fostering cutting-edge research. The project proposes a new building that seamlessly integrates with the landscape and existing structures, creating a dynamic academic ecosystem. This proposal not only meets the institution’s functional and programmatic needs but also redefines the relationship between architecture, engineering, and the urban environment.

The building’s volumetry interacts with the site's topography, establishing a striking yet harmonious presence in the landscape. The project responds to the nearby highway with a large acoustic protection wall, mitigating noise impact and redefining the relationship between the building and its surroundings. Positioned at the edge of the plot, the building acts as a transition between the city and a vast green park, fostering a more balanced and research-friendly environment. The spatial configuration incorporates a gently sloping access ramp (5.6%), designed as a contemplative pathway between the academic program and the natural landscape.

Natural lighting plays a central role in the project, strategically enhancing comfort and energy efficiency. Skylights ensure an even distribution of light, reducing the need for artificial lighting in laboratory and research spaces. Solar control is achieved through metal brise-soleils and passive shading elements, preventing overheating and creating pleasant indoor environments. The structure is based on a flexible modular system, with large open spans supported by metal frames embedded in concrete axes, ensuring future adaptability and easy internal space reorganization.

The project establishes a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, prioritizing views and visual relationships that enrich the academic experience. The transparency of the main façade invites the city into the building, creating an open dialogue between the academic community and the urban surroundings. The glazed auditorium, strategically placed at the beginning of the access ramp, acts as a transition element between exterior and interior spaces, reinforcing the concept of an inclusive and integrated academic environment. The adjacent park, shielded from highway noise by the building’s positioning, becomes a refuge for users, promoting revitalizing breaks between study and research activities.

Sustainability is comprehensively embedded in the project, through the use of local materials, rainwater harvesting systems, and the integration of photovoltaic panels on the roof. The large-span metal structure and concrete walls ensure durability and structural efficiency, while the modular spatial organization allows for future expansions without significant disruptions. Thus, the expansion of FEUP at the Asprela Hub not only meets contemporary demands for education and research but also establishes a new paradigm for academic architecture, where integration, sustainability, and innovation serve as fundamental pillars.