© Thomas Kröger Architekt . Pubblicata il 20 Luglio 2010.

The ensemble of buildings of the historic power-station and tram halls are developed over decades by functional needs. the buildings offer the beauty of engineered industrial architecture and the representative attitude of the facades incorporate the technical pretension of its time.

© Thomas Kröger Architekt . Pubblicata il 20 Luglio 2010.

Priority for the historic development of the ensemble was the inner function of the building volumes. this is what interested us the most: to continue the method of a rational design process. to organize and develop the building in a ‘form-follows-function’ way for the museum and simultaneously making the new content visible to the city by new functional building volumes.

© Thomas Kröger Architekt . Pubblicata il 20 Luglio 2010.

The dissection of the building complex is part of the design process in order to separate, demolish and prepare the volumes for reorganizing the new functions and its required spaces. the aim is to offer multifunctional and flexible options in using the museum. the vast spaces will allow activities for a big group of persons or a more intimate situation for concentrated activity.

A library, space for the collection of tram-items, shop, café, spaces for education and workshops will be provided. parallel activities in different parts of the building will be possible and accessible at the same time.

The architectural implant persist of a light steel and glass structure. its surface will be intentionally separated from the historic shell. glazed gaps along the historic walls will allow natural light filter through the building. the patina of the industrial history will be kept on the walls and the machines. the new inner structure extents vertically and horizontally to the outside of the building. this is marked by a terraced entrance reflecting the specific position at rio douro and the new glazed top level embracing the location within the city of porto.

The design intents to work as a tailor-made element inserted into the historic power-station. it gives the building its new identity making the heritage of industrial architecture an experience.