British architects regenerate Lisbon waterfront

Picture: courtesy delightful.eu

A giant sand dune or wave - which? Kissed by the sun, the walls of the new Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology look rosy with 3-D tiles creating a geometric criss-cross pattern with an undulating roof that gives the building its particular signature.

Designed by British architect Amanda Levete's practice AL-A with a team led by Max Arrocet, it is located on the Belem waterfront in Lisbon. Art and science sit side by side - a cultural hub - where city dwellers and tourists can enjoy the environment and debate ideas. Public events and community engagement have been a core consideration. There is a permanent collection of paintings by Portuguese artists but temporary exhibitions exploring contemporary art, media and technology will also fill the space. The project was funded by the EDP Foundation.

Seven thousand square meters in total, it is topped with a roof that visitors can clamber up onto to take in the view or watch a film by night. Sunlight from the river Tejo is reflected onto the ceiling inside washing it with patterns of the waves.

Part of a public funded regeneration scheme, the museum creates a connection between waterfront and city.

Restoring the historic connection between the city and the water creates a destination for visitors and the inhabitants of Lisbon.