The Teatro Azul, an urban landmark

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In every city, the Teatro Azul / Blue Theater would be easily recognized as a landmark, with its expressive structure, covered with deep blue ceramic tiles.

Strolling around the narrow streets surrounding the building, there is always more to explore than our eyes can reach. The complex geometry of the construction - with multiple, intertwined, and irregular volumes - establishes a strong relation with the hybrid urban background, and at the same time it radically contrasts with it.

The Teatro Azul is “spirited”. It is a singular entity (almost irreverent), inseparable from its programmatic aim and urban context. It was designed to “add sense to the pre-existent built environment, to give a new shape to the city, reintroducing meanings” (Manuel Graça Dias, 2005).

The interiors are equally vibrant, original, welcoming – inspiring the artists and the public. The stage is one of the best in the country, and the most important Portuguese theater festival is hosted here / The Festival de Teatro de Almada.

Teatro Azul is the (beautiful) name by which the Municipal Theater Joaquim Benite in Almada became known. Visiting the Teatro Azul is worth a walk in Almada!
Architecture: Manuel Graça Dias + Egas José Vieira (with Gonçalo Afonso Dias) / Contemporânea architecture office

Date: 1998-2004 / Location: Almada
Link to the project: http://www.contemporanea.com.pt/tma_01.html

About the architect Manuel Graça Dias, read more: architect Manuel Graça Dias, always inspiring

Post and photo credits: Lisboa Architecture Walks & Trips

Keywords and hashtags: #teatrodealmada #teatroazul #almada #manuelgracadias #contemporaryarchitecture #portuguesearchitecture #lisbonarchitecture #lisboaarchitecturewlksandtrips #lisboaarchitecturewalkstrips

Location: Almada, Portugal

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