CAM Gulbenkian

The Engawa’s natural harmony

The CAM of Gulbenkian is a project designed in partnership with Gulbenkian Foundation, Kengo Kuma & Associates and Vladimir Djurovic Landscape Architecture – aims at the renovation and extension of the building that houses the museum’s modern collection, originally completed by British architect Leslie Martin in 1983. The intervention is characterized by the introduction of a curved canopy structure that softens the relationship between the existing building and the garden, enhancing without disturbing what is beautiful in this underutilized space. The design draws inspiration from the typology of the Japanese ‘Engawa’, encouraging visitors to socialize and commune with nature. The new structure creates an entrance portico that blends the outdoor experiences with culture, whether as an event space, a casual meeting spot or a quiet place for reading.

The new Gallery space can hold temporary exhibitions and the separated mezzanine allows to create gallery experiences distinct for each floor and to increase, not only the footprint, but more so the variety of spaces. In contrast with its ceramic exterior, the underside is a warm wood panelling that extends the visual language of the gallery ceilings. Through subtle exposures, nature is ever-present without overshadowing the artwork itself nor the existing building. In the exterior, the landscape designed by VDLA atelier proposes an urban forest with a soft and natural character. By densifying the vegetation and allowing varying concentrations of greenery, the visitor is invited to meander through the landscape, meeting the central lake and the new face of the Modern Art Centre (CAM), covered by reflective ceramic tiles, framed by the trees.