Dali Transformer Factory Theatrical District / Atelier Alter Architects

Sited at the West-south of Erhai Lake, at the edge of the ancient citadel of Dali, an abandon transformer factory is transformed into a theatrical park. The original workshop, storage and office are turned into theater, new media art, and multi-sensual caterings. The main performance venue is the Transformer Theatre that creates a trinity of architecture, interior and stage setting design.

When planning a small building, understanding the land, its surroundings, and the user's needs becomes crucial. On a compact site, the form is often dictated by constraints—lot size, shape, entry points, and stairs. Yet when interpreted creatively, such limitations can yield a distinctive story, the kind that defines the charm of small houses.

Located in the condominium Fazenda Vila Real, in Itu (São Paulo State), this summer residence is the fourth house developed for the same client. The request, this time, was for a large, transparent house and in direct harmony with nature, a premise that guided the entire creative process. The starting point of the project was the desire to connect with the native forest area existing in the land, an element transformed into a protagonist in this project. From the main entrance of the house, dense vegetation imposes itself as a scenario and frame, defining the implantation and the architectural party.

Facing the main square of the neighborhood, the school complex presents itself as the landmark of a new centrality. Its strategic position makes this facility a real urban and architectural challenge for the city and its future development. The volumes create a landscape of roofs and vertical elements reminiscent of a village. This universe stands out from the surrounding residential buildings and highlights the programmatic richness of the facility, making it a unique architectural event.