The Casa das Histórias museum in Cascais, Portugal, is a testament to the unique vision of architect Eduardo Souto de Moura. This project, born from a concise brief by artist Paula Rego, showcases Souto de Moura's ability to blend artistic vision with architectural prowess. The museum's design is a response to Rego's request for a 'house' rather than a traditional museum, resulting in a dynamic and tailored space for her diverse artworks.
One of the most striking features of the museum is its pyramidal towers, which rise above the treeline, providing a distinct presence from the street. These towers are not just visually striking but also serve a practical purpose. By building around the dense cluster of trees, Souto de Moura ensured the museum remained visible while preserving the natural beauty of the site. The deep red concrete, chosen to contrast with the surrounding greenery, is a nod to the work of Portuguese architect Raul Lino. This color, integral to the concrete itself, will weather over time, developing a richer patina through sun bleaching, creating a unique and evolving aesthetic.
The interior of the museum is a sequence of rooms tailored to different formats of artworks, from small lithographs to large-scale paintings. At the heart of the building, an 11-meter-high gallery for temporary exhibitions accommodates unpredictable contemporary works, adding a layer of flexibility and innovation to the design. This approach to the layout emphasizes the varying scale of Rego's artworks, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors.
Souto de Moura's attention to detail extends beyond the building's exterior and interior. He incorporated diagonal corner elements, integrated seating, and textured surfaces inspired by traditional tile patterns, drawing on Lino's architectural language. The use of wooden formwork to replicate the herringbone motifs found in Lino's buildings is a subtle yet powerful reference to the past, embedded directly into the fabric of the structure. This attention to historical references and visual connections to the surrounding landscape enhances the museum's overall appeal and educational value.
Despite the universal praise the museum has received, Souto de Moura expressed ambivalence about the building's critical acclaim. He believes that criticism is essential for progress, even if it means that 'even donkeys like it.' This perspective highlights his commitment to innovation and the importance of diverse perspectives in architecture. The Casa das Histórias museum stands as a testament to Souto de Moura's unique design philosophy, blending artistic vision with architectural excellence, and leaving a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Cascais.
