From Bauhaus to beach house -Walking tour (1,5hours)

"From Bauhaus to Beach House" is a captivating architectural walking tour that explores the modernist influences on the idyllic Faro Island peninsula. This 25-minute boat ride from Faro town transports visitors to a unique coastal community where cubist and Moorish architectural elements blend seamlessly. (DURATION 1,5H ) in English.

Through his art, Walker not only captures the visual essence of Faro's modernist architecture but also contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the significance and preservation of this architectural heritage.

Architectural Influences

The tour's title cleverly references Tom Wolfe's 1981 book "From Bauhaus to Our House," drawing a connection to the influential Bauhaus design school founded in 1919 by Walter Gropius.

Bauhaus to BeachThe beach houses on Faro Island embody this modernist spirit, ranging from updated traditional styles to futuristic designs reminiscent of Palm Springs architecture. These structures draw inspiration from various sources:

1. The Bauhaus school's emphasis on functionality and simplicity
2. The Case Study Houses project, an initiative for affordable, well-designed homes post-World War II
3. Mid-century architect Richard Neutra's innovative approaches
   
   

Architectural Highlights

The tour showcases the work of Manuel Gomes da Costa, the most celebrated Algarvian architect. A key feature is the Aeromar Hotel, built in the 1970s, which retains many original design elements and serves as a family holiday destination.

Modernist Beachcombing
The walk offers a unique perspective on how modernist principles have been adapted to a coastal setting:

• Cubist themes with Moorish influences
• Flat roofs with minarets
• Emphasis on space and light
• Designs reminiscent of Cape Cod or the Florida Keys
  

Tour Experience

Led by Richard Walker, an established British artist and architectural tour leader for the 20th Century Society in England, the tour provides expert insights into the area's architectural significance. As a part-time Faro Island resident, Walker offers a unique perspective on the local architectural landscape.This walking tour not only explores the physical structures but also delves into the theoretical underpinnings of modernist architecture, offering participants a deeper understanding of how global design movements have shaped this coastal community.

About Richard Walker :

Collectable artist - London (UK) Richard Walker is a British artist based in
London. Born in 1954 in Yorkshire, Richard graduated in 1977 with an MA in printmaking after attending 3 London art colleges including Camberwell and Chelsea. Since then he has exhibited his work internationally having had over 50 shows in London, Paris, Hamburg, Berlin,Hannover, Los Angeles and Sardinia. He is in many public and private collections and has had numerous commissions, including murals and installations in London and New York. Richard's work often combines architectural elements with collaged abstract forms and has been described as 'layered and subtle, joyful and poignant' by Galleries magazine in the UK.

‘Faro Modernism’ to be published by Batsford Books, London in April 2025 Full colour illustrated with essays 240 pages
https://www.instagram.com/richardwalkerworks/

Please note that the sunday tour will be a duo between Richard Walker and Chris de Oliveira ( Founder of the event). The tour will end at the restaurant Elementos to enjoy the farewell brunch.

Please arrive 5-10 minutes early for check-in. This tour is suitable for all skill levels and will be delivered in english. Participants should also be cautious while navigating the island.

This event celebrates and promotes the city's rich Modernist architectural heritage by showcasing its unique mid-century buildings. All funds raised will be reinvested into the event and future initiatives.

Event organized by : The Modernist Faro
Co-organizer : Picada Cultural
Event Supports : Camara Municipal de Faro and Secção Regional do Algarve da Ordem dos Arquitectos

contact@themodernist.pt
https://www.instagram.com/themodernistfaro/

Photos : Aymeric Warmé-Janville, Richard Walker