ARQUIPÉLAGO CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTRE MESHES MODERN & TRADITIONAL

A skillful integration of old and new that is nominated for the Mies van der Rohe award 2015

The Arquipélago – Contemporary Arts Centre in Ribeira Grande, Portugal, is a work of harmonization. It is a modern cultural hub built in a former tobacco and alcohol factory, therefore the central challenge for Menos é Mais Arquitectos and Portuguese architect João Mendes Ribeiro was to introduce new elements into an existing structure, while successfully reconciling differences in time, place and scale.

Rather than raze the factory, the architects weaved in and around the existing layout to integrate an arts and culture center, storage facilities, a multipurpose hall, laboratories and artist studios.

Stone was used to establish a visual dialogue between the current buildings and the new structure. The dark volcanic stone masonry of the former industrial buildings is complemented by the abstract forms of somber concrete and local basalt that characterize the new cultural center. Subtle differences in texture also quietly define old and new.

An open exterior space at the center of it all gives breathing room to the structure – a public square that brings together the various socio-cultural spheres and the arbitrary boundaries of daily life blur. Inside and out, it is a space to be reunited around culture and art that will be played out against the balanced proportions of the architecture.

The Arquipélago is one of 40 works shortlisted for the prestigious Mies van der Rohe award 2015, the winner of which will be announced on May 8th, 2015.