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Lisbon is about to get a new Museum for Art, Architecture and Technology

A new landmark is about to land onto the long Lisbon waterfront; the brand new MAAT museum, situated in the Portuguese capital’s Belem district, has been taking shape and gearing up for completion later in the year, designed by London based architects AL_A. 

The low-rise striking new building, sat along the city’s riverside, is designed to become Lisbon's hot new cultural centre, the Museum for Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT). The curvy structure cleverly swells and ducks into the ground to form flexible exhibition halls that merge with some 7,000 sq m of new public space by the water. 

The museum is supported by the country’s EDP Foundation. ‘In understanding EDP’s ambition for Lisbon, our design draws on the context of the site, creating both physical and conceptual connections to the waterfront and back to the heart of the city’, says AL_A principle Amanda Levete.

The new building’s fluid, organic form shimmers playfully, reflecting the hues and movements of the nearby sea. Its skin, made out of glazed tiles, is inspired by the country’s rich material heritage and tradition in colourful ceramics. 

Steps built within the landscaping lead down to the water’s edge, ensuring the new structure maintains a connection and harmonious balance with its context, while at the same time heads the Lisbon neighbourhood’s wider ongoing regeneration. 

Currently in advance stages of construction, the museum is planning its grand public opening to take place in October 2016. Under the direction of Pedro Gadanho, the museum will open with a show entitled UTOPIA/DYSTOPIA, PART 1: Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster.