Category: Civil Architecture > Technological Installation
District: Açores > Lajes do Pico > Lajes do Pico > Ribeira do Meio
Situated in the picturesque village of Lajes do Pico, in the coastal area of Ribeira do Meio, the Whale Factory or Center for Arts and Marine Sciences is immersed in the volcanic and oceanic landscape of the Azores. Its strategic position by the waterfront offers extensive views over the vast Atlantic, allowing visitors to feel the sea breeze and observe the constant movement of the waves against the coast. It is a place where the presence of the sea is constant and enveloping, defining the environment and the character of the building itself.
This remarkable built complex is a powerful testament to the whaling history that profoundly shaped the culture and economy of Pico Island. Formerly, it operated as a sperm whale processing factory, where the large marine mammals caught were butchered and processed for the extraction of oil and other by-products, essential to the local economy. With the end of whaling activity, the site underwent a careful redevelopment, transforming into a space that honors its industrial past while looking to the future, keeping alive the memory of a defining era for the Azorean fishing and whaling community.
Currently, the complex houses the Center for Arts and Marine Sciences, an initiative that rejuvenates the space with a new purpose. This multifunctional center is dedicated to the dissemination of scientific knowledge about the oceans and the promotion of artistic expression, serving as a meeting point between natural history, marine research, and human creativity. Through its various capacities, the site invites reflection on the importance of marine conservation and the richness of Azorean biodiversity, while allowing visitors to appreciate cultural and artistic manifestations inspired by the marine environment and the island's heritage.
The architecture of the building reflects its original function, characterized by robust lines and a functional structure, typical of 20th-century industrial facilities. Particularly noteworthy is the whaling ramp, an imposing inclined structure that extends from the building to the waterline. This element, crucial in the past for transporting sperm whales from the sea to the factory, is now an icon symbolizing the site's strong connection to the ocean and its maritime heritage. The ramp remains a striking architectural feature, inviting contemplation and recalling the arduous work that took place there, as well as the deep connection of the people of Pico with the sea.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centro_de_Artes_e_de_Ci%C3%AAncias_do_Mar
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.40359926492513, -28.25516018336117
Coordinates DMS: 38°24'13.0"N 28°15'18.6"W
On-duty Pharmacy Lajes do Pico
