The MAAT museum’s design matches the form of a tidal wave

It’s like swimming with the tide – this recently opened low-rise structure on the waterfront honours the form of the Taugus River in Lisbon. The MAAT Museum planned by British outfit AL_A was launched as the city’s new cultural centre. The design firm, founded in 2009 by architect Amanda Levete with Directors Ho-Yin Ng, Alice Dietsch and Maximiliano Arrocet gained popularity after they were granted permission to create a new exhibition road for the Victoria and Albert Museum, London; their works for corporate giants like Goldman Sachs and Selfridges among others too are widely known.

In the first phase of construction, the creatives used 15,000 white, 3D crackle glazed tiles on the facade of the building to pay respect to Portugal’s rich tradition of ceramics. ”Our design draws on the context of the site, creating both physical and conceptual connections to the riverfront and back to the heart of the city,” avers Amanda. The cantilevered terrace offers stunning views and the structure also features a grand terrace and connected promenade. Inside are four distinct galleries for hosting events on performing arts, new media, architecture, science and technology. A pedestrian bridge, restaurant and a park by Vladimir Djurovic Landscape Architecture will open in the second phase of the development in 2017.

Website: www.ala.uk.com

Also read: Swizz chocolate inspired Marcel Wanders’ Kameha Grand Zurich Hotel