MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology

This building seeks a multidimensional landscape approach. Up close, we can traverse its roof and interior, and cross the railway line through the pedestrian bridge. At a distance, it emerges from the smoothness of the riverfront. Together with Central Tejo, it is a new cultural cluster in Belém, an area structured by the 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition. The arrival at the building is characterised by the reflections of natural light and water in the large ceramic pieces that cover much of its outer surfaces. The fluidity of circulation and permanence inside is reflected in the spatial structure and design. Its horizontality and reduced height are interdependent on the decision to place the exhibition space below the average river water level. Upon entry through a basket-handle arch, the progression around the oval gallery is descending and marked by a progressive immersion in the exhibition space.