Bluetube
Year: 2010
Function: bar, academic festival
Site location: Porto, Portugal
Nationality: Portuguese
University / Institution: Faculdade de Arquitectura da Universidade do Porto
The BLUETUBE BAR presents the TUBE-IT system as a feasible and flexible low-cost constructive resource. This system is based on the assembly of “corrugated tube” and “plastic clamps” and it has recently been tested in the construction of a temporary bar for the annual academic festival in Porto – [Queima das Fitas do Porto 2010].
TUBE-IT system and Bluetube Bar structure
© António Martins | Carlos Foyedo | Luís Grilo
Horizontally, the given intervention area was limited to a 3x3m square, whilst vertically the construction should not exceed 5m high. Constrained by the restricted budget, the requested functional device / building should nonetheless emphasize, by its materiality, an outstanding alluring outcome.
Plan | Bluetube Bar
© António Martins | Carlos Foyedo | Luís Grilo
Detail and section | Bluetube Bar
© António Martins | Carlos Foyedo | Luís Grilo
When applying the TUBE-IT system, the chosen main material – corrugated tube – is rolled up around a given existing structure in a helicoid manner. In addition to its structural purpose – i. e. to attach the different tube layers to each other as well as to the structure itself – the plastic clamps enhance the desired visual impact of the whole. This kind of tube, usually used in construction with an infrastructural role, becomes the design’s primary element.
TUBE-IT system and Bluetube Bar model
© António Martins | Carlos Foyedo | Luís Grilo
Plastic clamps effect in the façade | Bluetube Bar
© Carlos Trancoso
Conceptually such an approach departs from a system of modular repetition and explores the continuity of a single element. The building process – managed “in situ” – stressed out and demonstrated both feasibility and versatility of the developed system, reinforcing at the same time the idea that it may just as well be capable of hosting a diversity of other spatial and constructive challenges.
Building process – Queimódromo, Oporto | Bluetube Bar
© Carlos Trancoso
Building process – Queimódromo, Oporto | Bluetube Bar
© Carlos Trancoso
Details | Bluetube Bar
© Carlos Trancoso
Details | Bluetube Bar
© Carlos Trancoso
Built project – “Queima das Fitas”, Queimódromo, Oporto | Bluetube Bar
© Carlos Trancoso
Author: António Martins, Carlos Foyedo, Luís Grilo.
