The center dedicated to research in the field of oncology and neurology was erected at the confluence of the Tagus River into the Atlantic Ocean, near the famous Belém Tower. This location leaves an imprint of monumentality and symbolism on its architecture: it was from this place that Portuguese navigators set off on their way in the era of the great geographical discoveries. The spectacular landscape and the presence of historical architectural structures nearby also influenced the project. This also caused increased attention to it from the state: the authorities insisted that such a "landmark" building be opened in 2010, in the year of the 100th anniversary of the Portuguese Republic.
At the same time, buildings full of symbolism have always been encountered in Correa's work: just remember the Gandhi Memorial Center in Ahmedabad or the parliamentary complex "Vidhan Bhavan" in Bhopal with a plan in the form of a Vedic mandala. Here he was fully supported by the customers: the management of the charitable foundation, which brought together 440 researchers from 20 countries of the world in the new center, see them as the same pioneers and researchers of the sphere of the unknown as Vasco da Gama was.
The complex of three structures is organized around an open to the public "promenade", which runs diagonally across the site to the ocean. At the same time, the road leads with a slight upward slope, and visitors do not see the water surface until they reach the shore. There the path ends with a body of water of the "endless pool" type, whose surface visually merges with the space of the Atlantic; it is flanked by two cromlech pillars. The adjoining park and outdoor theater, also facing the water, are also available to the public for concerts and lectures.
In addition to him, the complex includes the main building with diagnostic and treatment rooms and research laboratories. All of its 4 tiers open onto an inner garden, imitating, according to Correa, the Brazilian rainforest. The spaces for patients and scientists are linked by glass 2-level "incisions" and a glazed lobby.
There is a smaller building nearby - with the administrative premises of the foundation, an auditorium, an exhibition hall and a dining room. The two buildings are connected at the top floor level by a 20-meter pedestrian bridge enclosed in a glass tube.
Correa used the local limestone for cladding the buildings, from which the Belém Tower was also built, and for the pavement of the plaza and the promenade, a granite cobblestone, traditional for Portugal.
N. F.
