amanda levete architects: EDP cultural centre lisbon

amanda levete architects: EDP cultural centre lisbon
image © amanda levete architects

the ‘EDP foundation cultural centre’ in lisbon is set to be a new cultural destination for the portuguese capital. designed by amanda levete architects, the building is sited along the river tagus, referencing the nearby waterway, as well as the light that reflects off its surface, in its presence. a topographic form composed of soft, sinuous lines and architectural nuances, seamlessly blend the structure into its once neglected surroundings, creating a conversation between nature and built space.

amanda levete architects: EDP cultural centre lisbon has a terraced front staircase that leads into the river
image © amanda levete architects

a shallow set of stairs which lead to the interior from the south will be immersed in water during high tide, offering a constantly changing space that generates a discourse with the ebb and flow of the river and the architecture itself. the harmonization between construction, location and people is exhibited through a shallow, cantilevered roof that slopes downwards from east to west, encouraging circulation, not only through and around the pavilion, but over it as well–the public and visitors of the centre, can stand atop and take in panoramic views of the tagus estuary. a visual relationship is continued through the use of the same paved stones lining in the existing pedestrian walkways, along the rooftop.

elevation
image © amanda levete architects

the cultural centre will blend into its tagus riverfront location
image © amanda levete architects

amanda levete architects’s scheme for the ‘EDP foundation cultural centre’ reflects the horizontal emphasis of the riverfront, with minimal visual impact on views from the greater city. though acquiescent in its physicality, it will activate the property along the tagus (in the belem district of lisbon), harnessing the southern sunlight of the city and its water, obscuring the definite boundaries of the gallery and the landscape.

slated for completion in 2014, the ‘EDP foundation cultural centre’–an initiative of portugal’s EDP, a leading company in the energy sector–will be the stand as the main host venue of the next lisbon architecture triennale.

view from the bar
image © amanda levete architects

interior view of one of the galleries
image © amanda levete architects

main hall
image © amanda levete architects

the black box gallery
image © amanda levete architects

rendering of the interior gallery space which will harness the strong southern light of the city
image © amanda levete architects

the cantilevered rooftop can be accessed, offering circulation on top of the building as well
image © amanda levete architects

landscape
image © amanda levete architects

top view of the building in its surrounding landscape
image © amanda levete architects

view of the outdoor cinema
image © amanda levete architects

unveiling of the scale model at the lisbon architecture triennale 2013
images © designboom

model
image © modelical

technical drawing of the centre
image © modelical

technical drawing indicating circulation through the space
image © modelical

from the exhibition at the lisbon architecture triennale, which continues until 15 december 2013. more designboom coverage here.

lisbon architecture triennale
12 sep – 15 dec 2013

entitled ‘close, closer’ the 2013 lisbon architecture triennale is made of a series of exhibitions and public programmes which aims to challenge and question the role of the architect in contemporary society. there is more designboom coverage to come, please stay tuned.