Now, here’s a question - what is Portuguese, large, bright red and incredibly impressive? If you live in the sleepy town of Miranda do Corvo, a rural area just a short drive from the historic city of Coimbra, then you should know what we are talking about, yes, it is the brand new cultural centre, the House of the Arts!
This dynamic example of contemporary architecture which exerts a strong positive energy, is the design of architect Miguel Correia and his associates at the practice of Future Architecture Thinking (FAT) and was funded by the forward thinking local authorities of the area. The multi- angled form of the structure mirror the surrounding landscape, the distant Lousa Mountains and the rooftops of the local homes. Its striking form and brilliant colour functions as an iconic landmark, visible and instantly recognizable, it is a beacon heralding its presence and beckoning the population from near and far to enter, explore and enjoy the enlightening experiences to be had within its walls.
The interior is comprised of a series of flexible spaces, suitable for a variety of events, a foyer which shares its function as an exhibition space, a 300 seat concert hall, capable of hosting anything from classical music events to conferences and a cafeteria which could operate independently to the center, thanks to a number of access routes. All manner of facilities have been efficiently covered, ease of access, high tech facilities and a fully equipped media room.
The land surrounding the center has been landscaped to provide walkways and public spaces to be freely enjoyed by the locals, including an amphitheater for outdoor events. Whether you love it or hate it, you most certainly cannot ignore it! The House of the Arts is here to stay and will endeavor to succeed in its mission to provide a high degree of cultural enrichment to the lives of the people of Miranda do Corvo!
