Instituto Superior Técnico

University of Lisbon, Portugal

Public competition

The proposal completes the Instituto Superior Técnico campus by extending the urban and architectural order established by Pardal Monteiro in 1936 to accommodate a new building containing auditoriums and conference spaces.

Conceived as a gateway between the city and the campus, the building establishes a new northern entrance, extends the garden towards Avenida António José de Almeida and reinforces the axis leading to the Central Pavilion. Its staircase, peristyle and structural rhythm reinterpret the defining elements of the existing architecture, shaping the public spaces and reaffirming the Central Pavilion as the institutional heart of the campus.

Lightweight, modular construction — including a CLT structural system — combines environmental performance with flexibility and ease of maintenance. Designed to accommodate more than 3,000 users, the generous interiors are characterised by high ceilings, abundant natural light and cross-ventilation.

Aerial view of the Instituto Superior Técnico campus extension and surrounding landscape, Lisbon

Exterior view of the new Instituto Superior Técnico building and public space, Lisbon

Instituto Superior Técnico new auditorium building – ground floor plan

Instituto Superior Técnico new auditorium building – upper floor plan

Central atrium with circular opening inside the Instituto Superior Técnico building

Interior communal space with timber structure at Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon