Architecture in Porto: 5 Contemporary Buildings You Should See

I don’t claim to know lots about architecture. I haven’t studied it, and I couldn’t tell you how a building was constructed with any expertise. But I do have an enthusiasm for design and I love seeing how architectural styles have evolved and how they continue to transform cities.

Porto is certainly one city that has been transformed in recent years by groundbreaking contemporary architecture. A number of buildings have cropped up by renowned architects Álvaro Siza Vieira (1933) and Eduardo Souto de Moura (1952), both of whom have received the Pritzker Prize, commonly referred to as the ‘Nobel Prize of Architecture’.

Here are a few buildings to look out for during your trip to Porto:

Fundação de Serralves

Built on a slightly sloped terrain, this acclaimed cultural institution adapts harmoniously within acres of nature. Designed by Siza Vieira and opened in 1999, the building is home to the Serralves museum, showcasing modern art, from the end of the 1960s to today.

Walking further into the park, follow the signs to the stunning Casa de Serralves, one of the best examples of Art Déco in the city, with its bright pink exterior, perfectly landscaped gardens and leafy surroundings. (See number 4 on this list of Top 15 things to do in Porto).

Entrance to the museum can be bought in advance here.

Address: R. Dom João de Castro 210, 4150-417 Porto. 10am-7pm

Cruise Terminal of The Port of Leixões

Designed by Luís Pedro Silva and voted Building of the Year in 2017 by ArchDaily, I don’t think it’s a stretch to say there’s not a cruise terminal in the world that looks as magnificent as this one.

From afar, it looks like an unfolding spiral, and it’s only upon closer inspection that you realise the façade is covered with over a million hexagonal azulejos (tiles) made to order by Vista Alegre to create its illuminating exterior.

Some observers have compared this cruise terminal to Sydney Opera House because of its location close to the water, and it’s no less imposing, with its huge open-air amphitheatre comprising of 14-metre slanted wall that opens out into the sea.

Address: Porto de Leixões, Marosinhos

Vodafone Headquarters

On 2006 July, Vodafone launched a competition, inviting fifty Portuguese architect firms to submit proposals for their new headquarters in Porto, and a proposal submitted by Barbosa & Guimarães was selected as the winner.

With this building the architects where trying to literally bring to life Vodafone’s slogan – ‘life in motion’ by constructing a building that conveys a sense of movement. To achieve this, the building was designed with many different irregular shapes to reflect plasticity and many faces in motion. I think trying to bring movement to something that is static and concrete is very bold attempt at doing something different – and one which they managed to pull off.

Address: Av. da Boavista nº 2949, 4100-136 Porto

Casa da Musica

Casa da Musica or ‘House of Music’ was designed by the Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, and for me, is the best example of contemporary architecture in Porto. And I’m not alone, no sooner was it completed, it became something of a cultural icon in Porto. It stands at an impressive 12 storeys high and boasts an eye-catching, irregular shape that possesses a futuristic quality.

What I really admire about Casa da Musica is its extended role of architecture – its use of space and materials which bring added value to the general public. As an example, Rem Kolhaas opted for many glass walls in order to allow people observing from outside to see what’s going on inside the monument. From concerts or rehearsals of the symphonic orchestra of Porto, to students working at the café on the ground floor. The architect wanted the building to be not only part of the cultural life of Porto, but the social, he wanted to invite everyone to join Casa da Música.

Furthermore, similar to the Opera House in Oslo, I noticed skateboarders and cyclist doing tricks across the marble surface and flat-bars that surround the building. All of these architectural features really do result in the coming together of people, and the improvement of life quality in the city.

Address: Av. da Boavista 604-610, 4149-071 Porto

Tea House of Boa Nova

© Dezeen

A stunning restaurant, that unfortunately I didn’t manage to see for myself. Though I wanted to include it because along with the Serralves Museum, it’s one of Álvaro Siza’s most famous works in Porto, located north of the city in Leça da Palmeira.

It has the uniqueness of being built on the rocks of the Atlantic Ocean, in constant challenge to the maritime elements. If you’re heading to Porto for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to a gastronomic experience, this place has got it covered.

Address: Rua da Boa Nova, 4450-705 Leça da Palmeira

If that wasn’t enough, again designed by Álvaro Siza, is the nearby leça swimming pools built between rocks and overlooking the ocean. (Only opened 15 July to 15 September).

Are you a fan of the architecture in Porto