Reverse Design Exercise

The Work of Raul Lino

Uma Casa Portuguesa com Certeza

Carolina Tamen | Cultura e Práticas do Design | Prof. Carlos Rosa

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 Introduction

The Work and Exploration

of Architect, Designer, Artist
and Writer, Raul Lino
Historical Overview

Born in 1879, Raul Lino was responsible for
over 700 pieces of architecture. In addition
to being an architect, he was also an
interior designer, graphic designer, author,
and artist. Within the large scope of his
work, a part of it was highly dedicated to
the understanding of the typical Portuguese
home. His work travels through Portugal and
adapts to the customs and lifestyles as well
as the natural environment and necessities
of the communities in which it is set. As the
author placed it, the Portuguese home is
a “cultural manifestation, perfect plastic
expression that reflects the historical time and
serves as a frame for the lifestyle of people”
(Observador citing Raul Lino, 2015)1. Even
though the artist’s work adapts to the lifestyles
of people over time, there are certain
elements that remain the same, making
it so that his work is easily recognizable
(Observador, 2015). Throughout his work, a
respect for Portuguese customs and culture
of the time are visible. As was stated by
Mascero et. al., “it is evident throughout the
architecture projects of Raul Lino different
references to Portuguese architecture,
bringing back and using different traditional
elements, both vernacular and erudite, as
the artist created a specific language and
a singular work” (2009, p.53)2. For the
purpose of this exercise, we will be looking
into Raul Lino´s scope of work. Through the
analysis we will deconstruct and identify the
commonalities that make his design work so
recognizable.

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Translated from the original text: “defender a arquitectura como “manifestação cultural, expressão plástica perfeita que reflecte o tempo
histórico a que serve de moldura.”
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Translated from the original text: “Os projetos de arquitetura de Raul Lino evidenciam múltiplas referências à arquitetura portuguesa,
resgatando e utilizando elementos tradicionais, vernaculares e eruditos, tendo criado uma linguagem própria e uma obra singular.”

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Materials
Consistencies in Raul Lino’s
Sintra Homes
Observational Analysis
Throughout his work, the architect makes
use of materials that fit into the environment
that surrounds the spaces he is designing.
Lino makes use of other typical Portuguese
elements such as ceramic and Portuguese
tile as decorative elements in his homes.
In addition to this, the architect integrates
his work in the natural environment, making
it so that his homes are always in one with
their surroundings. Although the architect
was known for speaking of the intricate
connection between the design of the home
with its context, there are some elements that
slanted roofs
stone covers the edges of
the building
Casa do Penedo
azuleijo tiles
designs on the glass
are the same throughout his entire work.
The arches that cover the balconies, the
stonework that covers the edges of the
home, the prominent slants in the roofs,
usually with pointed tops, the rounded
shapes and the use of tile and windows are Casa do Cipreste
some of the elements that make Raul Lino’s
work so recognizable.
In addition to this, the diamond shaped roofs,
the enclosed balconies, covered in arches,
the use of stone to create details and the
stone frames around the
mixture of rounded and sharp edges makes
window
the work even more recognizable.
azulejo tiles over the
windows
Casa do Outeiro
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 Palette Analysis

Use of Color in the Scope of

Work - Overview
Color Picking

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Formal Analysis

slanted, 4 edged roofs rounded windows

enclosed balconies

rounded shapes and arches variety of arches and columns stone details

consistent chimney shape

organic shapes stone edge details

arches on entrances

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 pointed roofs

slants on roof edges pointed roof

stone details surrounding roof

rounded stones
supporting balconies

tile accents

openings throughout the stone

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Individual Elements

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Form Consistencies

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