Date: 1995/1999

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Area: 12.000 sqm

Client: Ismaeliti Community of Lisbon

Project Coordinators:
João Ferreira Nunes

Project Collaborators:
Carlos Ribas, Vera Ramos

Speciality:
Arch. Rhaj Rewal
Arch. Frederico Valsassina

The exterior spaces of the Ismaili Centre, in Lisbon, were conceived as a collection of areas for nature enjoyment. These areas are organized according to their functions or according the adjoining building features.
The project aims to create a cohesive relationship between interior and exterior space, diluting rigid boundaries and assuming the extension of the built space. This dialogue between a building, that opens to its immediate context, acts as a catalyst for a reserved atmosphere of spiritual elevation, while at the same time, epitomizes an effort to create a piece of the city where sacred and nature come together inseparably to define a place of joyful livelihood and simultaneously of great retreat. The outdoor space design approach defines, in a very evident way, three typologies with very distinct functions; protection and integration spaces, leisure spaces outside the building and interior courtyard spaces. These spaces contribute to shape a very homogenous global space, which is perfectly readable as a unit.