Cecílio de Sousa Studio

Aires Mateus’ architecture studio takes its name from Rua Cecílio de Sousa, in Príncipe Real. This late 18th-century building underwent rehabilitation works, completed in 2017. The modest front facade contrasts with the interior magnified by the heritage value of the two ornate rooms: the Poets Hall with fresco portraits of Camões, Homer, and Voltaire, among others, and the Queen’s Office, where, in addition to a painted portrait of D. Maria I, six other paintings decorate the ceiling – providing perhaps inspiration for the work of this architecture studio, in contrast with the typical pragmatism of these workspaces. The intervention focused on the conservation and restoration of the valuable original elements and removed the adulterated parts. The roof structure, irreparably damaged, had to be rebuilt. The new components represent the autonomy of our times and follow this building’s history, playing a decisive role in the running of the new programme.