The ABC’s of Porto will get familiarized with local culture!
Eduardo Souto de Moura is an important Portuguese architect, born in Porto in 1952. In 2011 he received the Pritzker Prize, being the second Portuguese architect that received the “Architecture Nobel” followed by Siza Vieira (who received in 1992).
Right after its graduation, Souto de Moura worked in Siza’s studio for a few years, before starting its own studio. Strongly influenced by Mies van der Rohe, his first projects were mainly focused on renovations and housing. In 1981 he won his first public competition for a new cultural center in Porto: the beautiful Casa das Artes, located in the gardens of a 1927’ neoclassical mansion. He also gained recognition after designing with Siza the Portuguese Pavilion for the EXPO 2000 in Hannover.
Other important projects in his career are: the Burgo Tower, in Porto (1991-2007); the refurbishment project for the Portuguese Photography Center, in Porto (1997); Casa do Cinema Manoel de Oliveira, also in Porto (1998-2003); the Braga Stadium, in Braga (2004) and the Paula Rego Museum, in Cascais (2005-2009).
One of the main characteristics of Souto de Moura’s work is that they clearly communicate the way in which they’re developed as structures, rather than images or concepts. Usually, the buildings naturally reveal its nature and layers. His projects are a strong combination of the attributes of the site, local tradition, and innovative technology. Something not to be missed if you’re in Porto!
If you’re an architecture-lover don’t miss our Porto Architecture Tour! We will take you to some of the greatest buildings in Porto and tell you all about their development: from the Serralves Museum to the refurbishment of Aliados Avenue, we will visit the early work of Casa das Artes and the Torre de Burgo project, passing through the Architecture Faculty, Casa da Música and Bairro da Bouça.
