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Cultural Center of Castelo Branco
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The plaza is a surface, a topography drawn out in relation to the movement of the water and built by pedreiros, following patterns that are abstract but not random.
Floating on this surface is an object. At its base, water, frozen here to form a skating rink.
Interview for the Portuguese newspaper Diário de Noticias, April 2011
DN
What was your inspiration for this Arts Centre?
JLLM
The project appeared as a continuation of our remodelling of Praça Largo da Devesa, a large public space. It sets out to complete it, then, to continue it. It also looks to its neighbours, the old theatre and the former barracks.These were the initial stimuli.We wanted to make the building float so that the plaza would pass beneath it, and to produce a unitary, continuous building, with roofs, floors and façades that were equivalent to each other.
DN
What were the greatest difficulties?
JLLM
The greatest difficulties were certain technical issues, the structure for instance, which a true constructor actually enjoys solving; and, most of all, the passage of time, the great distance between the idea and the work on site. Though in this case, my faith in the idea is unshaken, and we have worked hard to ensure that it appears new and virginal.
DN
Since this space will house Culture and Art, what is the relation between Art and Architecture?
JLLM
Without the architecture intending to overpower the artwork, this is a strong, singular space, always the best setting for artistic creation.
DN
How did you deal with such a warm, dry climate as Castelo Branco’s?
JLLM
The climate is extreme, yes. I’m very pleased with the ice rink at the base of the building; it’s a playful relationship with the climate and the plaza.The building is compact and well insulated, a bubble of sheltered activity.
Josep Lluís Mateo, 2013
Typology: Cultural Center
Competition: 1st Prize
Project: 2000-2006
Construction: 2012-2014
Surface: 5,200 m2
Location: Castelo Branco, Portugal
Photo: Adrià Goula
Mies van der Rohe Award 2014, finalist
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