Construction magazine Construir recently published an article dedicated to the Photo Elysée et MUDAC project in Lausanne, which was awarded the prestigious fib Awards 2026 – Awards for Outstanding Concrete Structures.
The feature highlights the close collaboration between Aires Mateus and AFAconsult, responsible for the development of the Structural Engineering, HVAC, Electrical, Safety, Hydraulic, Gas, Acoustics, Lighting Design and External Works disciplines.
The article explores the technical and architectural complexity of a building that has become an international benchmark thanks to its apparent formal simplicity: a cubic volume of exposed white concrete supported by only three structural cores. It also examines the collaborative design process between architecture and engineering, demonstrating the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork from the earliest stages of the project.
Among the topics covered are the challenges involved in delivering the structural solution, the construction requirements associated with exposed concrete, the development of the façades and faceted foyer ceiling, and the engineering solutions that made it possible to realise a particularly ambitious architectural vision.
The feature also includes insights from Rui Furtado, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AFAconsult, who reflects on the team’s experience throughout the project, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, resilience and technical excellence in a highly demanding international context.
For AFAconsult, this recognition represents another milestone in its involvement in projects of significant technical and architectural complexity, reinforcing the company’s ability to respond to international challenges through innovative and integrated engineering solutions.
The original article is available in Portuguese only. Read the full feature published by Construir to learn more about the challenges, solutions and journey behind this internationally acclaimed project:
