Studio Mirante is multi-disciplinary hub nestled near Campo de Santa Clara, on Rua do Mirante in Lisbon, this two-story building is a space rich in character and layered history. Comprising three primary areas - a welcoming hall, a studio with a mezzanine, and a workshop room - the interior is unified by generous ceiling heights and a diversity of atmospheres that invite exploration.
Originally functioning as stables, the building has undergone numerous transformations over the past century, including a significant conversion into a retail space. The recent intervention sought to peel back layers of past refurbishments, guided by a desire to recover the building's original materiality - namely, its flooring finishes.
The project was defined by two essential intentions: the removal of later additions to expose the space’s authentic fabric, and the organisation of a clean, adaptable studio environment. In response to the client's vision, the design strategically concentrated both display and storage shelving along a single, 4,5 meter tall wall. This gesture liberated the floor plan, enabling a dynamic and flexible setting that supports both ceramic work and broader, hybrid layout.
While the studio was conceived primarily for ceramists, its layout and detailing encourage a range of creative uses. It acts as a multifunctional pod - an open framework that accommodates various activities, interactions, and spontaneous collaborations. The prominent shelving feature merges utility and display, setting the tone for an informal, welcoming atmosphere that invites both work and dialogue.
The intervention deliberately combined proposed elements with existing ones leaving traces of unfinished areas and imperfections much like the ceramist’s process working the unglazed clay pieces.