Architecture of light, memory and simplicity
Can you imagine a room entering the sea, a salt pool at sunset, an ideal home from the 19th century or a new house for architecture?
Casa da Arquitectura, the new Portuguese Centre for Architecture, in Matosinhos, offers an itinerary to portuguese architect Álvaro Siza’s earlier works.
One of the most prestigious architects working today Álvaro Siza, a Pritzker Prize and Venice Golden Lion winner, gave his first steps has an architect in his home town—Matosinhos, near Oporto.
We can find and visit some of his most emblematic works in Matosinhos: Marés Swimming Pool, Boa Nova Tea House, his Family’s House in Roberto Ivens street, Quinta da Conceição’s Swimming Pool and most recently Leça da Palmeira´s seaside walk (2002-2007).
Álvaro Siza’s itinerary offers visits all year long, with approximately one hour duration and the mediation of specialized architects. Intended for students, architects, researchers, cultural tourism promoters, and the general public that want to visit and experience these examples of exceptional architecture.
You are welcome to visit!
Make your reservations and inquiries to visitas [at] casadaarquitectura.pt
Leça da Palmeira Swimming Pool, (1961-66, 1972)
Visits everyday from 9am to 6pm
This project is a fortunate and unique alliance between architecture and nature. It is placed below the quota of the seaside walk, in direction to the sea. The pool and its support building take an intense geometric expression and the use of the concrete in plain sight with sharp corners gained iconic status.
Boa Nova Tea House, (1958-63, 1989-92, 2014)
Visits from Tuesday through Saturday at 10am
The Tea House, a national monument since 2011, meticulously placed in between the expressive rocks of Boa Nova, it has a large roof gently leaning down to the sea that unifies the different constituents of the house. Entering is made through a sharp turns staircase that expands between the small promontory and the sea. Nowadays it houses a restaurant that holds a Michelin star under the direction of Chef Rui Paula.
Siza’s Family House in Roberto Ivens, (XIX, 1961, 2009)
Visits from Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 6pm
This 19th century house, renovated by Álvaro Siza in 1961 upon request of his parents was acquired by the Matosinhos Municipality in 2007, it was subject to a small renovation by Siza, so that it would house the activities of Casa da Arquitectura from 2009 to 2017. The workspaces, the library, the exhibition room, the archive, where adapted to the house’s typology, without abandoning its scale and homely feel.
Quinta da Conceição’s Swimming Pool, (1958-65)
Visits everyday from 9am to 6pm
Initially developed in the studio of architect Fernando Távora, his mentor, this is Siza’s first work that is concerned with the element of landscape. Taking advantage of an old irrigation cistern, the pool integrates vividly the themes and architectural culture of the Conceição Farm, designed by Távora.
Casa da Arquitectura, (1987, 2017)
Visits from tuesday trough sunday from 10am to 6pm
Casa da Arquitectura is a house to better preserve, study and promote architecture trough exhibitions and archives. Located in the city of Matosinhos, since 2017 occupies the buildings, now recovered and adapted by architect Guilherme Machado Vaz, that were part of an old factory built between 1897 and 1901 meant for the Real Companhia Vinícola. It was a model of British inspiration and tradition, where the region’s first steam cooperage was installed. A byway of the rail line connected it to the docks of the Port of Leixões for shipment and export of its output, the wine.
