The IB-S facility on the Gualtar campus in Braga was designed by architect António Fontes. This building is notable for its curved cube shape and houses laboratories dedicated to biological sciences, biodiversity, biotechnology, and ecology. It was inaugurated on October 11, 2017, and represents a significant investment in sustainable research infrastructure .

Tucked into Porto’s Boavista district, the building at Rua de 5 de Outubro 93 stands as a striking example of mid-century Portuguese modernism. Designed in 1953 by architects Arménio Losa and Cassiano Barbosa, this mixed-use structure—originally known as the DKW Building—reflects the post-war optimism and architectural ambition of its era.

The building’s façade is defined by clean horizontal lines, wraparound balconies, and large glazed panels that flood the interiors with light. A distinctive spiral staircase, visible through a curved glass enclosure, serves as a sculptural centerpiece—combining functionality with expressive design. The influence of the International Style is clear, yet the architects imbue it with a softness and adaptability suited to Porto’s urban fabric.

Originally hosting a car showroom on the ground floor (hence the “DKW” name, referencing a German auto brand), the space later became Drogaria Brito, a beloved neighborhood hardware store. Today, it houses Negra Café Boavista, a contemporary café that has respectfully retained the building’s original signage—honoring its layered history.

This is more than a building: it’s a snapshot of Porto’s evolving identity, where modernist ideals continue to resonate through adaptive reuse and thoughtful preservatio