PROMONTORIO occupies belem cultural centre with installation made from recycled cork

last summer, PROMONTORIO created an architectural installation in lisbon built out of blocks of recycled cork. the scheme comprises two open-air spaces, delineated by an incomplete double colonnade — evocative of a ruined structure. the project serves as an outdoor cinema, capable of hosting movies as well as other events.

the venue serves as a cinema for outdoor movie screenings
image by francisco nogueira (also main image)

‘a square in summer’ was commissioned to commemorate the 25th birthday of the belem cultural centre, designed by italian architect vittorio gregotti. ‘the project evokes both a poetic ideal and the irrevocable condition of the passage of time in architecture; an installation whose presence in space is intended to let visitors playfully meander through this promenade as an engaging architectural experience,’ explains paulo martins barata, partner at PROMONTORIO.

the scheme comprises two open-air spaces, delineated by an incomplete double colonnade
image by eduardo montenegro

according to the design team, the project also celebrates the ‘aesthetic singularity’ of the recycled cork agglomerate — a 100% recyclable material common to portugal, but less familiar in other parts of the world. in the summer of 2017, architect josé neves transformed the same space, also using cork blocks.

the project celebrates the 25th birthday of the belem cultural centre
image by francisco nogueira

the installation is built out of blocks of recycled cork
image by francisco nogueira

the material has a tactile quality that encourages engagement
image by francisco nogueira

a video showing the set up of the installation, courtesy of the belem cultural centre

axonometric diagram (click for larger version)
image © PROMONTORIO

floor plan (click for larger version)
image © PROMONTORIO

scheme and sizes (click for larger version)
image © PROMONTORIO

project info:

name: a square in summer
location: belem cultural centre, praça do império, lisbon, portugal
client: CCB (centro cultural de belém)
curator: andré tavares
scope of services: architecture
program: temporary architecture installation with open-air theatre
area: 2,150 sqm / 23,142 sqf
status: 2018 (design and completion)