Álvaro Siza Vieira, architect FAUP
1988: Alvar Aalto Medal; 1992: Pritzker Architecture Prize; 2001: Wolf Prize; 2009: RIBA Gold Medal; 2011: UIA Gold Medal
Eduardo Souto de Moura, architect FAUP
2011: Pritzker Architecture Prize; 2013: Wolf Prize
Architecture and object
Portugal has a long history of manufacturing objects of the highest quality, and furniture is of no exception.
Original furniture designs by Álvaro Siza Vieira and Eduardo Souto de Moura are made to the same exacting standards as they were when first made. Artisans and joiners methodically recreate each piece signed by the architect. Heritage and traditional craftsmanship display the beauty of Portuguese design made to time-honoured traditions.
For example Casa de Chá da Boa Nova Table and Cadeira Boa Nova (1963), C2 chair at Chapel do Monte (2018) by Álvaro Siza Vieira, and Bench for Uitzicht crematorium (2011), by Eduardo Souto de Moura are synonymous with the way object and architecture originate as one.
The traditional role of the architect
Álvaro Siza Vieira and Eduardo Souto de Moura truly define the traditional role of architect, designing not only the building, but the furniture and lighting too. In many instances products are named after the buildings for which they were designed.
A case in point is the Serralves light designed for the museum of the Serralves Foundation inaugurated in 1999.
Álvaro Siza and Souto de Moura’s furniture and lighting is still made to the exacting standards of workmanship as originally specified, with furniture authenticated by their signature. Lighting products can be reviewed here.
Álvaro Siza Vieira & Charles Rennie Mackintosh
CDC. Craft Design Construction are delighted to be supporting the forthcoming exhibition Tea For Two / Chá Para Dois, curated by architect Graeme Nicholls FRIAS, at Mackintosh Queen’s Cross Church, Glasgow, from 11th September – 2nd October.
The exhibition will provide a rare and wonderful opportunity to draw comparisons between Casa de Chá de Boa Nova by Álvaro Siza Vieira, and the Willow Tea Room by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and understand how each architect designed spaces for social interaction and the ritual of taking tea.
Tea For Two / Chá Para Dois will showcase two items still authentically handmade in Portugal: Boa Nova II and the low-backed Cadeira Boa Nova, which will be exhibited side by side with the tall-back Charles Rennie Mackintosh chair that created islands of privacy at the Willow Tea Room.
Click here for information about the exhibition.
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