The preservation, expansion and enhancement of the built heritage of Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa establishes decisive elements of its future development strategy. This mission implies the rehabilitation of existing buildings in order to contribute to: i) the (re)enhancement of community life, articulated with the characteristics of an operating program adapted to the new demands and dynamics of the university teaching and research; ii) the sustainability of this heritage, not only environmental, but also social and economic; and iii) inclusiveness, fostering transdisciplinary dialogue and progressive involvement in the dynamic fabric of the community understood in a comprehensive sense. The (re)construction and expansion of a set of buildings, dating from the 60s and 70s, of the last century, located on and opening onto a central avenue in Lisbon. The future Centre for Technology Transfer and Value Creation - "Iscte, Knowledge and Innovation" is prepared to receive all the research centres of the University, as well as its offer of advanced training. Here the adopted orientation and strategy were translated into the rehabilitation of existing buildings, making it possible to reuse 40% of the existing materials (foundation, structure, floor slabs and masonry of the original buildings). The rehabilitation and reconstruction of this complex cumulatively implies: (i) the structural seismic reinforcement and the addition of a new floor; (ii) the reconfiguration of the existing accesses; (iii) the capture of natural light enabling the enjoyment of less artificial spaces; (iv) the construction of a qualified urban park open to the city and (v) the exterior cladding of these volumes in solid ceramic brick, which prolongs in time the useful life of their exterior walling and simultaneously evokes the long time of life in cities. It was sought i) to choose materials and construction systems that guarantee the greatest durability; ii) to adopt the quality of flexibility in the design of the spaces, thinking about their capacity of adaptation over time; iii) to encourage a living and sense of community in qualified spaces, stimulating the social cohesion of the Iscte community; iv) to create landscaped outdoor spaces, acting as elements of water and pollutant gas retention, enhancing biological diversity and offering the community a safe and healthy environment for circulation or leisure v) promote energy efficiency, taking into account the rationalization of construction materials, the rationalization of the use of primary resources through a centralized technical management system, the adoption of active and passive solar technologies and the use, treatment and reuse of water resources; and finally, vi) promote the integration of the Institution in the dynamic fabric in which it is inserted, articulating the new infrastructures with their surrounding space.

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