PEDRO DOMINGOS

Who was your most significant influence as a teenager?

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As a teenager, my references were mostly related to music, sport and cinema.

Pop music was at its peak, I followed the marathon runner Carlos Lopes, and I remember watching Kubrick's 2001 Space Odyssey and being amazed and confused at the same time.

 

Why did you qualify as an architect, and might you have chosen another path?

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The decisive moment for me was when I was 17 and went to the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon with my high school class. The Gulbenkian's HQ was different from anything I had seen before, comprising architecture of the highest quality. The postmodernist tendency was at its peak, focusing on exuberant and colourful works. It was there that I had my epiphany and decided that I wanted to train as an architect.

 

Who has inspired your work?

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My inspirations or references come from many sources, including art, music, travel and literature. I am, of course, also influenced by those who have excelled in their architectural profession.

In art, sculptors like Chillida, Serra, Donald Judd and James Turrell. In music, especially the classical composers Bach and Beethoven but including other musicians like John Cage whose compositions have conceptual and abstract components.

Trips to Italy, Turkey, Morocco and Brazil have increased my awareness of buildings that absorb their defined cultures, climate and landscapes.

I have also found inspiration in particular writers, including Jorge Luis Borges in The Library of Babel and Marguerite Yourcenar in Adriano's Memories. And, of course, I follow my fellow architects, those less known and those well-known, including the erudite works of Siza Vieira, Paulo Mendes da Rocha, Peter Zumthor and Luis Barragán.

 

Who do you most admire as an Architect today?

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Our Portuguese master Siza Vieira continues to be a world reference but in Portugal, many other very talented older and younger architects exist.

 

How do you find your inspiration for each new project?

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For me, it is less a question of inspiration and more about the process of understanding the problem, the place and finding a project strategy that enhances the qualities identified.

Then there are the specific circumstances of each project that can have a particular influence. I also need to have a sense of place and history.

 

How would you describe your architectural style?

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I practice a specific architecture that seeks to solve problems clearly and intensely, with formal responses that materialise what is essential to that project. I want to create timeless architecture. It is bespoke work without a specific style. More of a method that can lead me to different conclusions for each building.

 

Do you think Portugal presents good opportunities for property development and renovation today by those wishing to invest in Portugal?

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Portugal remains a unique country in this time of globalisation. Due to a certain stagnation during the "Estado Novo" regime, many places stopped in time. Even after 50 years of democracy and progress, there are many treasures to discover. There is still much Portugal can achieve, nationally and internationally, favoured by a mild climate, security, gastronomy and strong links to Mediterranean culture. Portugal offers a very diverse and beautiful territory that has long been and will continue to be a magnet that attracts foreigners of all ages and backgrounds.

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Can you tell us anything about your current projects?

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Currently, my practice involves projects of many different sizes and programmes, including private houses and public and commercial spaces. Public and commercial projects include the recently finished Library of Grândola, hotels and the exciting restoration of a 500-year-old monastery in Lisbon.

We recently won two big competitions for an emerging programme in Portugal linked to cost-controlled housing, which is essential for our country's future.

 

And how do you like to relax when you are not focused on your clients?

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My work as an architect and teaching takes up much of my time, but when I am not working, I like to be at home with my family and cook or do long-distance runs. The latter helps overcome daily stresses and often is the moment when I problem-solve or come up with ideas for new projects. I also like to travel in Portugal and abroad.