Coutinho Building, 13-story building in Viana do Castelo, Portugal
The Coutinho Building was a 13-story concrete structure in central Viana do Castelo that stood in sharp contrast to the surrounding historic architecture. Its modern design and bulk dominated the streetscape for several decades.
The structure was built in the early 1970s on the site of a former municipal market after Fernando Coutinho acquired the public land in 1972. It stood until 2022, when demolition began to reclaim the medieval center.
The building became a focal point in debates about modernism versus historic preservation in the city center. Its removal reflected the community's effort to restore the architectural character of the medieval district.
Demolition was completed and salvaged materials were recycled into new road and infrastructure projects. Visitors can today see the cleared site as part of the ongoing transformation of the historic district.
Its presence blocked UNESCO World Heritage recognition of Viana do Castelo's medieval center for years. With its removal, the city gained the opportunity to pursue this recognition and reclaim its historical identity.
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