ARCHITECTURE: Vittorio Gregotti and Risco _______________________________________________ ADDRESS: Praça do Império, Lisboa _______________________________________________ CITY: Lisboa ______________________________________________ DATE: 1988-1993 _______________________________________________ VISIT: Inside - Outside _______________________________________________ MORE DETAILS: In the origin of the CCB was the necessity of an equipment that could receive, in 1992, the Portuguese Presidency of the European Union, and that, at the same time, could remain as a centre capable of promoting cultural activities. By international competition, between 57 projects, the proposal by the consortium made up of the Portguese architect Manuel Salgado and the italian architect Vittorio Gregotti was sellected. Of five foreseen modules, only three were built: The Meeting Centre, Performing Arts Centre and the Exhibition Centre. Its polemic setting had as reasoning the fact it marked the parting point of the maritime discoveries, in resemblance to the Torre de Belém and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos. The exterior walls sum approximately 36,000m2 and are covered by Abanacado de Pera Pinheiro limestone with a rustic gastejado finish. On the weekends the CCB is filled with visitors, due to the diversified cultural programs it has to offer. It houses, since June 2007, the Museu Colecção Berardo. _______________________________________________
