Directory
ARX Portugal Arquitectos
Architects Directory 2007
Information
Two Portuguese brothers, Jose (born 1963) and Nuno Mateus (born 1961), established ARX in 1991 in Lisbon after working in several practices, including those of Peter Eisenman and Daniel Libeskind. The team has since worked on various building types, taken part in several exhibitions and been actively involved in Lisbon's 2007 triennial. They present their design style as an architecture that doesn't follow a standardised language, adding, 'It is as if we are always returning to zero. And, at a certain level, that is our conception of innovation.'
Lispoli Office Building, Lisbon. Image courtesy of ARX Portugal
Inspiration
ARX draws inspiration from all aspects of contemporary culture and is fascinated by the work of other architects, regardless of age or nationality. The Mateus brothers also agree that 'the extraordinary beauty of the popular architecture of Alentejo (southern Portugal) - white, simple and abstract' often appears in their work, whether consciously or unconsciously.
Innovation
The team is constantly researching and experimenting new ideas, rejecting rigid principles and repetition. They predict that the current trend towards globalization will bring a renewed interest in more local architecture.
INFORMATION
- Website
- http://www.arx.pt
