Casa da Arquitectura: Nuno Sampaio on Building an Ambitious New Institution

Nuno Sampaio, the executive director and general curator at Casa da Arquitectura in Matosinhos, Portugal, elaborates on the institution's objectives. Established in 2014 by mayor Guillermo Pinto, it stands as the first architecture-focused institution in Portugal. Sampaio is responsible for managing operations and crafting a vision that integrates research, communication, archival preservation, and curation. The institution aims to engage both architects and the general public to enhance awareness of architecture and promote professional hiring. Unlike Montreal's CCA or Paris's Cité de l'Architecture, it emphasizes public exhibitions. Its archives, which include the Brazilian Architecture Collection, concentrate on particular regions and eras. Funding is sourced from public entities, private partners, and income from a bookstore and tours. Sampaio also collaborates on events for the Infinito Vão exhibition and curated Duas Casas de Paulo Mendes da Rocha.