“Portuguese Architecture in Wood”

“Alameda das Fontaínhas”, Oporto
“Alameda das Fontaínhas”, Oporto
“Alameda das Fontaínhas”, Oporto
“Alameda das Fontaínhas”, Oporto
“Alameda das Fontaínhas”, Oporto
“Alameda das Fontaínhas”, Oporto


©copyright fspratleystudio

In January of this year, the exhibition “Portuguese Architecture in Wood” was inaugurated at the Embassy of Portugal in Japan, Tokyo. This exhibition explores the roots of Portuguese architecture from a contemporary perspective, highlighting the central role played by wood as a primary material.

Over the centuries, architecture in Portugal has been intrinsically linked with wood, shaping both urban and rural landscapes, and reflecting craftsmanship and architectural innovation. This exhibition aims to showcase not only the aesthetics and functionality of wood in construction but also its cultural and symbolic importance in shaping a new identity for Portuguese architecture.

Through a careful selection of eight projects by renowned architects in the current Portuguese architectural scene, the exhibition seeks to illustrate the diversity of approaches, styles, and techniques employed by these architects. Tradition serves as a starting point for achieving innovative results.

The exhibition will serve as a space for dialogue, inviting visitors to explore the infinite possibilities that wood offers and to consider its fundamental role in the architectural landscape, both now and in the future.

“Portuguese Architecture in Wood” intends to create a reflection on the current architectural legacy and question how tradition and innovation can coexist harmoniously, contributing to a sustainable future.

Curator: Francisco Spratley

Invited Architects:

  1. Carrilho da Graça – https://www.carrilhodagraca.pt/
  2. Aires Mateus – http://www.airesmateus.com/
  3. João Mendes Ribeiro – http://www.joaomendesribeiro.com/
  4. Menos é Mais – http://menosemais.com/
  5. Correia & Ragazzi architects – http://www.correiaragazzi.com/
  6. Diogo Aguiar – https://www.diogoaguiarstudio.com/
  7. oitoo – https://oitoo.pt/
  8. depA architects – https://www.depa.pt/

Inspired by the film Woodstories by @building_pictures with production by @jjteixeira.pt.

Title:
Portuguese Architecture in Wood

Dates:
January 25th to February 9th, 2024

Location:
Embassy of Portugal in Japan (3-6-6 Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo)

Organizer:
Portuguese Cultural Center in Tokyo

Curator:
Francisco Spratley

Exhibition Collaboration:
João Luís Carrilho da Graça
Aires Mateus Associados
João Mendes Ribeiro
Menos é Mais arquitectos
Correia/Ragazzi arquitectos
Diogo Aguiar studio
oitoo
depA architects

Support:
Shibaura Institute of Technology – Yoshihide Kobanawa laboratory
Atelier Kobfuji

Table Design:
Yuki Kawami, Tomohiro Hirose, Shuntaro Komata

Portuguese to Japanese Translation:
Maho Kinoshita

Project: “WE HAVE HOPE”

Client: Public

Type: Art installation . Oporto

Status: Done

Surface: 72 – linear meter

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