metro arquitetos associados + paulo mendes da rocha: cais das artes

são paulo-based firm metro arquitetos associados and pritzker prize winning brazilian architect paulo mendes da rocha have collaborated to create ‘cais das artes’, also known as the ‘quay of arts’ a theater and museum on an island in vitória, brazil. overlooking the suá bay and canal which forms the isle it is being constructed on, the structure frames the hilly landscape and city through a suspended gateway which balances the historical context with a contemporary exterior. arranged around a public square, the complex will become a cultural center hosting theatrical shows and open-air exhibitions as well as a cafe and bookstore. the 3,000 square meter gallery spaces and auditorium for 1,300 spectators may be used for various events including concerts, plays and dance shows.

all images courtesy metro arquitetos associados

the structural system of the elongated museum is comprised of two pre-stressed reinforced concrete beams spaced 20 meters from each other. the parallel elements have a depth of seven meters and are supported with pillars at three points along their length, distributing the loads of the three gallery levels above. attached to the building, an annexed tower contains the additional spaces including storage facilities and offices. across the open plaza resides the theater, which is placed partially within the water to create an outdoor veranda for outdoor dining with immediate access to the ocean view.

view from the harbor

plaza and sculpture between the structures

entrance to the museum

interior view from first level

at dusk

concrete cantilever
image © leonardo finotti

under construction
image © leonardo finotti

building within the surrounding context
image © leonardo finotti

context plan

site plan

floor plan / level 1

floor plan / level 2

floor plan / level 3

section

theater floor plan / level 0

theater floor plan / level 1

theater section

theater section

sketch

sketch

sketch

sketch

project info:

client: government of the state of espírito santo and arcelormittal-cst (companhia siderurgica de tubarão)
project: may 2007-may 2008
square total area: 26,500m2
museum total area: 8,500m²
theater total area: 14,000m²
architecture: paulo mendes da rocha
metro arquitetos associados: martin corullon, anna ferrari, gustavo cedroni, flavio rogozinski, marcia terazaki, miki itabashi [architects];
paloma delgado, paula mendonça [trainees].
structure: kurkdjian & fruchtengarten engenheiros associados – eng. jorge zaven kurkdjian
electric, hydraulic and complementary installations: etip projetos de engenharia – eng. airton vianna
hydraulic and draining consulting: eng. julio cerqueira césar
automation and security project: hos projetos
air conditioning: thermoplan engenharia térmica – eng. eizo kosai
acoustics and theater technique: acústica & sônica consultores – arq. josé augusto nepomuceno
lighting design: ricardo heder e juliana pongitor
waterproofing projects: proassp assessoria e projetos – eng. silvana
special flooring projects: lpe engenharia e consultoria – eng. silvia maria botacini