Architects: MMBB Arquitetos, Paulo Mendes da Rocha, Ricardo Bak Gordon
Year: 2015
Photography: Fernando Guerra | FG+SG
Collaborators: Edison Hiroyama, Giovanni Meirelles, José Paulo Gouvêa, Luís Pedro Pinto, Pedro Serrazina, Marina Sabino, Nuno Velinho, Rui Cancela, Sónia Silva, Vera Higino, Walter Perdigão
Construction Coordinator: Nuno Costa
Foundations, Structures, Building Services, HVAC, Thermal, Acoustics, Security: AFA Consult / Eng. Rui Furtado
Landscape: Proap
Exhibition: Nuno Sampaio
Signage: António Queirós Design
Project Coordinator: Armando Vale
City: Lisbon
Country: Portugal
The Museu dos Coches, completed in 2015, was designed by Paulo Mendes da Rocha, MMBB Arquitetos and Ricardo Bak Gordon. The project skillfully integrates museological and urbanistic goals, preserving the site’s historical heritage while contributing to its revitalization as part of the “Belém Redescoberta” initiative. The design employs reinforced concrete foundations and steel trusses, establishing a robust structural framework, and includes a proposal for an elevated parking facility to maintain the site’s tranquility.
The new facilities for the Museu dos Coches address two fundamental aspects: museology and urbanism. The museological component centers on the careful exhibition of valuable cultural heritage, ensuring that the historical significance of the artifacts is preserved and displayed effectively in the main pavilion dedicated to exhibitions.
Urbanistically, the project emphasizes the creation of a monumental public venue that aligns with the broader “Belém Redescoberta” project. The design includes a dynamic public space, with an annex providing public amenities contributing to the site’s vitality and making it a central element in the urban landscape.
The museulogical approach prioritizes the preservation of historical treasures, allowing them to be both stored and exhibited. This perspective considers the evolving relationship between historical memory and contemporary intellectual construction, incorporating art and technology. The museum’s design accommodates exhibitions, workshops, and evolving displays, integrating virtual elements with original artifacts.
From an urbanistic viewpoint, the project respects the integrity of the site while enhancing its vitality, particularly considering the anticipated increase in tourism.
The design acknowledges two key aspects: pedestrian circulation from Calçada da Ajuda to the Tagus gardens and the preservation of buildings along R. Junqueira, which is configured as a museum area leading to the historic Cais da Alfândega Velha street.
The project also fosters local business initiatives, contributing to the area’s economic and cultural landscape.
The project adheres to the established functions and budget, ensuring all requirements are met.
The construction features a dual-mode design: a main pavilion for exhibitions and an annex housing reception, administration, restaurant, auditorium, and a public walkway. This arrangement creates a portico linking the two buildings, forming an internal plaza that connects to the preserved structures on R. Junqueira, transforming the area into a lively space with cafes and libraries. The dimensions and layout of these spaces encourage dynamic interactions between the museum and the public, blending protection with openness.
The museum design incorporates stringent security measures, including hydraulic lifts for controlled access to the exhibitions spaces, prioritizing safety and comfort for both visitors and staff. A special area for children is located on the terrace, near the museum’s entrance, adjacent to the exhibitions spaces. Across from Afonso Albuquerque Square, an open bar with sidewalk seating adds to the public character of the space.
The link between the exhibition area and administration, overlooking the Tejo, facilitates general services and security. The elevated restaurant offers views of the Atlantic, Jeronimos, and the inner square, enhancing the museum’s connection to its surroundings.
The building’s structure relies on reinforced concrete foundations, with concentrated loads recommended by soil conditions, supporting steel trusses that form the museum’s large walls.
An underground parking lot was excluded due to groundwater issues and potential disruptions to the site’s tranquility. Instead, an elevated parking facility for 400 vehicles was proposed near the barges, which could serve as a prototype for the Belém Redescoberta project.
These notes are clarified by examining the project’s drawings and model.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: 136 India Avenue, Lisbon 1300-300, Portugal
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
