Picture a building seemingly floating on water. That’s Espaço Espelho d’Água. It mirrors the sky and surroundings in its rectangular pond. Let’s delve into the story of this unique space.
Espaço Espelho d’Água has an interesting past. It was built for the Portuguese World Exhibition in 1940. António Lino designed it as a restaurant and brewery. The exhibition celebrated Portugal’s foundation and restored independence.
After the exhibition, Espaço Espelho d’Água suffered alterations. These changes distorted its modernist style. But in 2014, architects Duarte Caldas and Victor Vicente renovated it. They restored its original characteristics. They revealed the original structure by removing excess elements. The rigorous metric that characterizes the whole was highlighted.
The building comprises two separate volumes. A third volume joins them as an entrance. The surrounding water feature extends to the Tagus River.
Inside Espaço Espelho d’Água, you’ll find diverse spaces. The west entrance leads to an open area. Art exhibitions and concerts happen here. Film projections also occur here.
A quieter leisure area faces north. It overlooks the Belém Cultural Center. You can also see the Jerónimos Monastery. A shop and access to offices are on the first floor.
The kitchen stands as a separate volume. It is in the building’s center. A vertical garden covers it. This adds a burst of color. It contrasts the minimalist environment. The cafeteria and restaurant connect to a terrace. This offers river views.
The interiors have been kept simple. Concrete floors and white surfaces prevail. A 1990 mural by Sol Lewitt was discovered. It was fully restored during renovations. The furniture and lighting reflect the space’s plain language.
Circular lamps adorn the north and south facades. These were recreated according to the original project. An Angolan artist, Yonamine, reinvented Portuguese cobblestone pavement. It’s applied on the path to the building’s entrance.
Espaço Espelho d’Água aims to unite gastronomy, art, and culture. It serves as a platform for cultural connections. It brings contemporary cultures back to Portugal. These cultures are from regions explored during Portuguese navigations.
The Tourism Association of Lisbon organized a public competition in 2012. This competition led to the creation of Espaço Espelho d’Água. The project’s motto is cultural exchange. It reflects the relationship between Portugal and the world. It also reflects the world’s relationship with Portugal.
Espaço Espelho d’Água once housed Ralph Kerle’s “Desenhos na Agua” exhibition. This showcased reflections on journeys on water. The building’s architecture complements the art within.
Espaço Espelho d’Água is more than just a building. It is a space for reflection. It mirrors Portugal’s history and its connection to the world. Its renovation has brought back its original beauty. It stands as a testament to modernist design. It also shows the importance of cultural exchange.