Alqueva Interpretation Center (CIAL)

Category: Civil Architecture > Interpretation Centre

District: Beja > Moura > Moura

Location

Situated in the picturesque locality of Moura, in the district of Beja, the Alqueva Interpretation Centre (CIAL) is strategically positioned in the heart of Alentejo. Its location allows visitors to immerse themselves in the Alentejo landscape, characterized by its vast plains and the striking presence of the great Alqueva reservoir. The centre integrates into the urban environment of Moura, serving as a starting point for understanding the profound territorial and socio-economic transformations that the construction of the Alqueva enterprise brought to the region.

Interpretive Mission

The CIAL is dedicated to unveiling the complexity of the Alqueva enterprise. Through exhibitions and informative resources, visitors can comprehend the history of its conception and construction, which profoundly altered the landscape and life in Alentejo. The centre addresses the multifaceted dimension of the project, from its historical genesis to its environmental, social, and economic ramifications, highlighting its transformative role in the region.

The Alqueva Narrative

The CIAL's exhibition route unfolds a narrative that explores the multiple vectors of the Alqueva project. It covers water management, fundamental for agriculture and daily life, as well as hydroelectric energy production. The centre reveals the engineering underlying the dam, its vast dimensions, and its impact on local biodiversity. Emphasis is also placed on the affected communities, the relocations, and the creation of new opportunities for regional development, offering a balanced perspective on this monumental work.

Architecture and Environment

The architecture of the Alqueva Interpretation Centre reflects its function and its integration into the Alentejo territory. The building was designed to be a welcoming and functional space that hosts visitors in an environment conducive to learning and reflection. Its structure, although modern, seeks to dialogue with the surrounding landscape and the traditional materials of the region, creating a space that is simultaneously contemporary and rooted in the local context. This design contributes to an immersive experience, where the form of the building complements its mission of unveiling the complexity of the Alqueva work.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt