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#PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS

EDP Foundation Arts and Technology Centre

Redevelopment of a new public building located on the Belém waterfront in Lisbon.

The EDP Foundation Arts & Technology Centre is a new public building located on the Belém waterfront in Lisbon, renewing access to the Tagus River from the city and consolidating the wider publicly-funded urban regeneration of the quarter. Incorporating over 7,000m² of new public space, the Centre will explore the convergence of architecture, technology and contemporary art as a field of cultural practice. It will accommodate a trans-disciplinary programme of exhibitions, public events and community engagement. A new discursive space for the city, it will lead the conversation about the evolution of Lisbon and Portugal.

The design complements the dynamic relationship between the three conditions of the site: the horizontal axis of the Tagus, the cityscape behind, and the neighbouring Museu da Electricidade. Low slung along the riverfront, the building sits modestly below the skyline and in contrast to the prominent Museu next door. The topographic form blends structure into landscape in a move that creates visual and physical permeability between inside and outside. A space to be appropriated by the public, it allows people to walk

over and under as well as through the Centre and access the city via a new footbridge over the railway tracks. The roof becomes an outdoor room, a physical and conceptual connection to the city’s heart, where you can turn away from the river and enjoy the vista of the cityscape, and at night, watch a film with Lisbon as your backdrop.

Restoring the historic connection between the city and the water, the building creates a destination for the people of Lisbon, as well as for cultural visitors and tourists, and reactivating the neglected riverfront area for all. Energias de Portugal (EDP) is a global energy provider and the largest electricity supplier in the Iberian Peninsula. Its not-for-profit Fundação EDP, commissioned AL_A to create a design that would reflect the ethos and context of the business – energy, innovation, sustainability – and reaffirm EDP’s commitment to Lisbon.

Commenting on the vision for the project, António Mexia, Chief Executive Officer of EDP said:

‘Innovation sits at the heart of EDP – we bring this expertise to bear across the field of energy production and renewables. The new Arts & Technology Centre reflects the desire to bring this pioneering approach to the field of cultural production. Lisbon is central to this urgent international conversation – and our future as a world city.’

AL_A’s response exploits the natural assets of the site, framing an architectural narrative that is sensitive to both its cultural heritage and the future of the city.

Principal of AL_A, Amanda Levete, commented:

‘In understanding EDP’s ambition for Lisbon, our design draws on the context of the site, creating both physical and conceptual connections to the waterfront and back to the heart of the city.’

At high tide the steps are submerged, creating a permeable threshold that changes with the tide. Sunlight is reflected from the water onto the overhanging roof, bouncing the light into the building, and tracing the shifting patterns of water onto the gallery floor.

Inspired by Lisbon’s rich material heritage, calçada-tile pavements are subtly reinterpreted under foot and used to merge the new public spaces with the existing texture of the city street. 3D ceramic tiles articulate the façade, expressing the traditional use of ceramics in the area. This complex surface gives readings of water, light and shadow, capturing and magnifying the tonal light qualities of this site.

Further details on the Centre’s programme to be announced.

Demolition of the substation commenced in December 2013, with work on the building due to be completed in 2016.

EDP Foundation Arts and Technology Centre

Details

  • Lisbon, Portugal
  • Amanda Levete Architects