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 is constructed with any expertise. However, I do have 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’.

Now it’s time to take a look at contemporary architecture in Porto. Here are a selection of fabulous buildings to look out for during your trip:

Fundação de Serralves

Built on a slightly sloped terrain, this acclaimed cultural institution adapts harmoniously within acres of nature. Designed by Porto native, 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.

Be sure to explore the rest of the park and follow the signs to the stunning Casa de Serralves. It is 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 best 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. Upon closer inspection, you will make out that the façade is covered with over a million hexagonal azulejos.

Azulejos are traditional, decorative ceramic tiles that are a hallmark of Portuguese and Spanish art and architecture. The term “azulejo” comes from the Arabic word “al-zillij”, meaning “polished stone”. Silva wanted to reflect the Moorish influence on their origin and design. The Azulejos were 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 colour. While they share some similarity, I still think they’re very different. It’s certainly 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

You might also like: A Visit to the National Azulejo Museum in Lisbon

Vodafone Headquarters

On 2006 July, Vodafone launched a competition, inviting fifty Portuguese architect firms to submit proposals for their new headquarters in Porto. A proposal submitted by Barbosa & Guimarães came up trumps

With this building the architects were 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’ is something of a cultural icon in Porto. It was design by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and completed in 2005. Personally, I think it is the best example of contemporary architecture in Porto. I loved the building the moment I laid my eyes on it. Standing at an impressive 12 storeys high, with an irregular shape and futuristic appearance, it certainly commands attention.

What I really admire most about Casa da Musica is its extended role of architecture. The use of space and materials really bring added value to the general public. As an example, Rem Kolhaas opted wanted glass walls installed to allow people observing from outside to see what’s going on inside. From concerts or rehearsals of the symphonic orchestra of Porto, to students working at the café on the ground floor. The architect wanted Casa da Música to be not only part of the cultural life of Porto, but the social. And I think he succeeded with his mission.

In many ways it reminds me of 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 to promote communities.

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.

Built on the rocks of the Atlantic Ocean, in constant challenge to the maritime elements, this restaurant has views to die for. If you’re heading to Porto for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to a gastronomic experience, this place has got that 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).

You might also like: Architecture in Rome – 5 Contemporary Buildings That You Should See

Are you a fan of the architecture in Porto?