Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown / Charles Correa Associates

Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown / Charles Correa Associates - Exterior Photography, WindowsChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown / Charles Correa Associates - Exterior Photography, FacadeChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown / Charles Correa Associates - Exterior Photography, Glass, Facade, BeamChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown / Charles Correa Associates - Image 5 of 31Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown / Charles Correa Associates - More Images+ 26

Text description provided by the architects. Charles Correa Associates designed this research and diagnostic center located in Lisbon. It is a state-of-the-art facility guided by some of the best scientist in the world. Correa says, “What makes me most proud about this project is that it is NOT a Museum of Modern Art. On the contrary, it uses the highest levels of contemporary science and medicine to help people grappling with real problems; cancer, brain damage and going blind. And to house these cutting-edge activities, we tried to create a piece of architecture. Architecture as Sculpture. Architecture as Beauty. Beauty as therapy.”

The site, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean, is steeped in history. It is the site where Henry the Navigator, Vasco de Gama and other great Portuguese left on their journeys into the unknown—a perfect metaphor for the discoveries of contemporary science today, Correa points out.

Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown / Charles Correa Associates - Exterior Photography, Facade
© José Campos

The 3 units that constitute the project (the largest for the doctors and scientist, the second for the theatre, the exhibition hall, the Foundation offices, etc, and the third is an open-air amphitheater for the city) have been arranged to create a 125m long pathway leading diagonally across the site, towards the open seas.

Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown / Charles Correa Associates - Exterior Photography, Glass, Facade, Beam
© José Campos

This pathway is ramped up (at a gentle slope of 1:20) – so as you ascend, you see only sky ahead of you. At the end of the ramp are two stone monoliths, straight from the quarry. When you reach the highest point, you begin to see a large body of water, which seemingly connects (i.e., without any visual break) to the ocean beyond. In the center of this water body, just below the surface of the water, is an oval shaped object—made of stainless steel and slightly convex, so that it reflects the blue sky and passing clouds above.

Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown / Charles Correa Associates - Image 5 of 31
© José Campos

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:Lisbon, Portugal

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown / Charles Correa Associates" 03 Jun 2011. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/140623/champalimaud-centre-for-the-unknown-charles-correa-associates> ISSN 0719-8884

© José Campos

里斯本癌症研究中心 / Charles Correa Associat

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.