Waypoint{n}
The project site is very evocative and poetic. The mighty cliffs are constantly struck by the power of the wind and the sea, and this makes the promontory of Sagres and Cape St. Vincent a place of dramatic beauty, an independent and autonomous landmark.
The headland, thanks to its geographical position and its characteristic elements, has always been a hub of maritime activity since the fifteenth century. This aspect is the starting point of the design idea.
In the promontory four points can be defined: they are in constant dialogue with the existing landmarks, allowing the comprehension and interpretation of the landscape. This definition brings to mind the notion of waypoints, as precise coordinates used for any type of navigation.
The characterization of these points has been possible through the triangulation of the predominant elements: the Cape St. Vincent, the Sagres Fortress and the Beliche Fortress. The topography of the place defines the design of the site. The circular shape of the waypoints recalls the purity of the landscape, and their size is fixed through a key element: the 50 meter-diameter Wind Rose located in the Sagres Fortress, probably used to support naval and military activities.The waypoints are in constant dialogue with the landscape and with the strong elements that characterize it. They suggest precise points of view, they act as collection points, converging at the final Waypoint.
The Waypoint{n} is not a real end or a final approach, but just another bridging point. It is the number {n} of an infinite series.
360° Terrace
The terrace, characterized by the 360° panoramic view, is the place where the visitors are free to experience the immensity of the place, where they can engage with the landscape, the sky and the sea and where man and nature blend at the maximum level.
The slow Passage
The pure cylindrical volume is shaped by the ramp that is visible from afar, arousing interest among the visitors.
The slow passage to the terrace offers visitors a unique experience within the immensity of the place observing slowly the view as long as the visitors reach the top of the waypoint{n}.
The Window
Located in front of waypoint{n}‘s entrance, it gives the visitors a framed picture of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a safe shelter where the visitors can rest contemplating the powerful immensity of the ocean.
Waypoint {n}
Due to its pure form, the waypoint{n} satisfies the needs of the functional program, reinterpreting and enhancing the uniqueness of the place. Simple marks, basic forms and pure volumes, minimize the impact on this authentic natural landscape.
