Contemporary Ruins: Form and Nature in Eduardo Souto De Moura’s Houses

This chapter aims to investigate the intricate relationship between form and nature in contemporary Architecture, focusing on the works of renowned Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura. By examining three of his notable houses—Gerês House (1980), Baião House (1993), and Moledo House (1998)—this study delves into the interplay between architectural form and the surrounding natural environment. These houses, uniquely intertwined with historical layers and geographic context, establish an enduring connection between the artificial and the natural. The presence of pre-existing ruins in these works acts as a mediator, seamlessly integrating the architectural compositions with their surroundings. Through a meticulous analysis, this chapter illustrates how these dwellings become not only homes but also new ruins that merge harmoniously with nature. By exploring the singularities of a place, informed by its historical layers and geography, the study illuminates the understanding that Architecture can be considered a second nature. Ultimately, this investigation sheds light on the profound implications of the relationship between form, nature, and history in contemporary architectural practice.