Universidade de Coimbra Alta e Sofia — Candidatura a património mundial
Faculty of Medicine
Lucínio Guia da Cruz was the architect responsible for the initial design, in a modern style of classical inspiration, but the plan suffered some later alterations, introduced by architect Cristino da Silva.
Art and Architecture
Lucínio Guia da Cruz was the architect responsible for the initial design, in a modern style of classical inspiration, but the plan suffered some later alterations, introduced by architect Cristino da Silva. The austerity and uniformity of the building were mitigated in certain areas with the setting of elaborate sculptural and pictorial ensembles.
On the western corner of the building is a sculptural ensemble by Leopoldo de Almeida, which represents the allegorical figure of Medicine flanked by Hippocrates and Galen. On both portals of the main façade of the building, the twelve busts created by Euclides Vaz stand out.
The various gates were also decorated with small bronze sculptures alluding to the history of the faculty. In the western atrium there is a bas-relief by Vasco Pereira da Conceição, on the theme of the treatment of the sick, and in the eastern atrium a fresco by Portela Júnior on the history of Medicine. The entrance to the Legal Medicine Institute is decorated with two bas-reliefs by Numídico Bessone, representing Death and Life.
Proposed Intervention
According to the Detailed Plan for the Urban Rehabilitation of the Uptown University Area, the building currently occupied by the Faculty of Medicine will serve a variety of functions, including commercial areas connected to the university, as well as other services.
The plan provides for the use and enjoyment of the central courtyard, which will imply covering the parking space in the lower floor in almost its entirety. This solution will enable the creation of a new leisure area for public use.
The internal circulation will be altered to ensure the autonomous use of the different areas as well as conformity to legal requirements. All the spurious elements that mar the typological integrity of the building are to be suppressed, particularly the spaces occupied in the garret in the west and north wings, at the level of floor 3A, and the latter is to be reserved exclusively for technical structures. The obstacles to horizontal circulation and the improper occupation of formerly open areas and ventilation spaces are also to be eliminated.
