MAAT, Lisbon
(Image copyright Paulo Coelho)
On 5th October 2016, the EDP Foundation officially opened the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT), located on the Tagus River in Belém, Lisbon.
Designed by the award-winning architecture and design studio AL_A, the museum is a major part of the urban revitalisation of one of Lisbon's most historic waterfronts.
Housed within two buildings, MAAT is intended to focus on 'contemporary culture through a combination of visual arts and media, architecture and city, technology and science, society and thought.'
(Image copyright EDP Foundation)
The 38,000 sq. m riverside site consists of a sprawling public space and the gallery itself, with its undulating roof designed to allow visitors to walk over and under, as well as through the building, while offering panoramic views.
(Image copyright Francisco Nogueira)
Taking inspiration from Portugal's rich tradition of craft and ceramics, the complex facade is created by almost 15,000 three-dimensional crackle-glazed tiles that reflect the water, light and shadow. The overhanging roof also creates shade and is used to reflect sunlight off the water and into the building.
(Image copyright Hufton + Crow)
António Mexia, CEO of EDP Group and Chairman of EDP Foundation, said: “MAAT will restore the historic connection between the city and the water. It will be a hub for attracting people who come here to enjoy art and architecture. More than that, however, it will draw people from the heart of the city to the panoramic views along the Tagus estuary, a riverfront area that has long been neglected, but thanks to MAAT, will become a vibrant new destination within Lisbon."
Content and images courtesy of Ing-Media.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
A brief description of a smart construction dashboard, collecting as-built data, as a s site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure bill oulined
With reactions from IHBC and others on its potential impacts.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.