Forte São Marcelo

Cultural

  • Client

    Iphan Bahia

  • Location

    Salvador - BA, BR

  • Program

    Museum

  • Area

    5.800 m²

  • Status

    Design development

  • Architecture

    SPOL

  • Partners in charge

    João Vieira / Adam Kurdahl

  • Team (SPOL)

    Mariana Alves, Eugénio Cardoso, Viola Lambrughi, Diogo Madeira, Florent Prevost, Gabriel Spera

  • @SPOL

    While a Partner at SPOL, along with Adam Kurdahl, João Vieira was in charge of the development of the project.

Forte de São Marcelo is a unique historical monument built in the early 17th century.

With its distinctive circular design, it served as the nautical guardian of Brazil’s former capital until it was declared a national historic landmark in 1938 and decommissioned in 1940.

During its 317 years of operation, it played a significant role in several major historical events, including the Pernambucan Insurrection and the Brazilian War of Independence.

Our intervention engages with the building’s distinctive design.

The circular void functions as a transitional and exhibition space linking the smaller cells. On the upper floor, an event area with a bar and outdoor terrace provides a 360-degree view of the bay and the city’s historical centre.

Part of the roof is retractable, allowing for both indoor and outdoor configurations.

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