Casa Das Mudas Arts Center
Madeira, Portugal
By Architect Paulo David
The art center placed on the corner of a steep rocky cliff in Madeira, as a pure geometric box, is designed in such a way that it appears chiseled from the rocks it stands on, as if it is an abstract sculpture carved out of the cliff. It continues the topography’s language in an abrupt, abstract way.
Yet in reality, the building is constructed on the cliff as a separate entity, from the natural topography, as an architectural object using traditional construction methods and linear design schemes.
The planning of the spaces and walls has a language similar to that of modernist buildings. Using techniques such as linear perspective, long blind walls, right angled corners with openings cut through them in relation to the walls facing them, and shifted asymmetrical composition of space.
The architect creates fluid complex spatial relationships, while using simple geometry and simple architectural design concepts.
The building is designed as a pattern of multiple spaces placed in a sequential manner, one after the other. Circulation spaces never lead to dead ends, and allow the visitor to move throughout the art center, experiencing the exhibitions in sequential loops, and returning to the starting point easily and smoothly.
