Born in 1933 a few kilometers from Porto, Álvaro Siza graduated in architecture in 1955 at the University of Porto. He stands as one of the leading exponents of Portuguese architecture.
Throughout his career, he taught at some of the most prestigious academic institutions and collaborated with architect Eduardo Souto de Moura on the flagship pavilions of the Expo in Lisbon in 1998 and in Hanover in 2000.
A constant concern throughout his professional life, which is deeply connected to the history of Portugal, is the reciprocal and active link between architecture and nature, as well as the desire for a community-oriented architectural dimension, far removed from the traditional gathering places of the consolidated city.