Forte das Velas - Revitalisierung einer Ruine des 17. Jahrhunderts

This master thesis, Forte das Velas, investigates the architectural potential of revitalizing a historic coastal fortress through a contemporary program that balances preservation, public accessibility, and spatial reinterpretation. Situated within a sensitive maritime landscape, the project explores how heritage structures can be transformed into culturally active spaces without compromising their historical identity. The design approach is based on minimal and reversible interventions that respect the existing masonry, proportions, and defensive morphology of the fort. New architectural elements are introduced as clearly legible additions, creating a dialogue between past and present rather than imitation. Programmatically, the proposal combines cultural, educational, and public functions, allowing the fortress to operate as an open civic landmark rather than a closed monument. Spatial strategies emphasize views, thresholds, and sequences between interior and exterior, reinforcing the relationship between architecture, horizon, and terrain. Material choices and construction methods are guided by durability, adaptability, and low environmental impact, positioning the project within a broader discourse on sustainable heritage reuse. Forte das Velas ultimately demonstrates how historical military architecture can be reimagined as an inclusive and future-oriented public infrastructure, merging cultural continuity with contemporary spatial needs.