HWW

CCB
The decision to build the cultural center was taken in January 1988, as part of the Portuguese government's understanding that it needed building to host the works of Portugal's European Union Presidency (in 1992). The building would also serve as a core facility for cultural and leisure activities after its term, and as a venue for conferences and exhibitions.
An international architectural competition was held and six proposals were invited to submit a preliminary project, out of the 57 submissions. The final proposal, submitted by the architectural consortium of Vittorio Gregotti (Italy) and Atelier Risco at the time led by Manuel Salgado (Portugal), was designed to include five modules: a Conference Centre, a Performing Arts Centre, an Exhibition Centre, a Hotel and complementary equipment zone, but the Conference Centre, the Performing Arts Centre and the Exhibition Centre were initially built.