Souto de Moura latest project

A Casa das Histórias Paula Rego é um projecto do arquitecto Eduardo Souto de Moura. Retomando, num espírito contemporâneo, alguns aspectos da arquitectura histórica da região, distingue-se de imediato na paisagem por duas estruturas piramidais de igual dimensão e pelo betão pigmentado a vermelho.
Assumindo-se o terreno e as árvores preexistentes como elementos fundamentais, os diferentes volumes compõem o edifício configuram quatro alas, subdivididas no interior em salas sequenciais, dispostas em torno de um volume central mais elevado, que corresponde à sala de exposições temporárias. O interior, em tons neutros, pavimentado a mármore azulino de Cascais, conta, para além das áreas técnicas e de serviço, com 750 m2 de áreas de exposição, uma loja, uma cafetaria com esplanada aberta para um frondoso jardim e um auditório com 200 lugares.
O projecto, correspondendo à vontade da artista, a quem se deve a escolha do arquitecto, dá resposta às muitas exigências de funcionalidade museológica.

The Casa das Histórias Paula Rego was designed by the architect Eduardo Souto de Moura. The building makes use of certain aspects of the region’s historical architecture, which is here reinterpreted in a contemporary way. It can be immediately recognized thanks to its two pyramid-shaped towers and the red-colored concrete used in its construction.
The land and trees which previously existed at the site are incorporated as fundamental elements, while four wings, of varying heights and sizes, make up the building. The building itself is subdivided into rooms which lead into one another and are laid out around the higher central room which houses the temporary exhibition. The building’s interior has 750 m2 of exhibition space, on top of the technical and service areas, and is decorated in neutral shades and paved with the blue-grey marble of Cascais. The building also houses a shop, a café which opens onto a verdant garden and an auditorium with 200 seats.
The building’s design is fully in keeping the artist’s wishes, and it was Paula Rego herself who was responsible for the choice of architect. It meets all the requirements for a museum and its various functions, without forgetting the need to give visitors a warm welcome.