Agora: Encounter in a divided city Part 1 Project 2025 Kitty Davison University for the Creative Arts | UK Over the past decade, a sharp rise in tourism has created social tensions between visitors and residents in Porto. This city has also attracted many 'digital nomads', remote workers temporarily based in the city, who are rising living costs while offering limited benefit to the local economy. Another divide is visible In the large student population, whose presence is felt on the outskirts of the city rather than within the historic centre.To help ease these growing social tensions, I have proposed an Agora, a civic space inspired by the gathering places of ancient Greece. Its purpose is to bring together Porto's diverse communities through spaces that encourage social, academic, and cultural exchange. The design centres on three key elements: a public square that flows indoors and outdoors, a thrust-stage performance hall, and a multi-room nightclub.Situated in the heart of the city on a steeply sloping site, the project sits between Porto Cathedral, the main train station, and streets lined with cafes and shops. Externally, the design draws on adjacent vernacular and locally abundant materials such as granite and limestone. Internally, a low-carbon glulam frame and CLT floor plates are expressed in open plan spaces that maximise natural light. Tutor(s)