Located in Mindelo City, Republic of Cape Verde, this project serves as a new national center dedicated to handicrafts, art, and design. It offers a fresh perspective that extends beyond the current design, crafts, and cultural expressions of Mindelo. The idea for the art museum emerged from a visionary conversation when the director of the Mindelo National Arts and Crafts Design Center inquired about the potential of an old colonial-era house featuring a terrace and an adjacent historic building. In response, the architect conceived an entirely new, iconic art museum building.
This vision became the driving force behind the collaboration between the director and the architect, symbolizing their commitment. The project has since gained government support and secured full funding.
The site comprises a restored historic house that holds significant importance in Mindelo’s history. Alongside it, there is an open-air courtyard and another building located at the rear. The architects were tasked with restoring these old structures and courtyards, while also designing new buildings at the back that harmonize with the existing architecture. The final spaces, including the exhibition area, café, shop, and brand identity, were curated and designed by the National Arts and Crafts Design Center’s team.
Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 islands situated in the central Atlantic Ocean. Nearly all products—from oil and clothing to food and immigration supplies—are imported and transported to the local market in containers and large barrels. Consequently, these large barrels are ubiquitous and repurposed by locals as versatile containers and materials.
In the design, the architect removed walls to open the courtyard facing the city and created a unique external skin covering the entire museum, made from barrel lids. This design pays tribute to these simple yet essential objects that are deeply embedded in the daily lives of Mindelo residents.
Like many of their projects, this one emphasizes minimal resource use, achieved through collaboration with craftsmen from the National Arts and Crafts Design Center in a workshop focused on recycling materials. Despite an increase in the overall project budget, the architect maintained this sustainable approach to genuinely integrate the museum into the city center and honor the materials employed. Beyond aesthetics, the barrel lids also serve special functional purposes.
The barrel lids on the exterior façade are functional as well, forming a bi-directional ventilation system that passively regulates the building’s internal temperature without the need for air conditioning. These lids rotate like sunshade roller blinds to control sunlight and airflow. Additionally, the museum’s energy needs are supplied by photovoltaic panels.
The colors of the barrel lids also conceal a musical score, with each color representing a specific note. The architect collaborated with Cape Verdean composer and multi-instrumentalist Vasco Martins to create music inspired by these colors. This concept pays tribute to the island’s rich musical heritage through synesthesia, bringing the joy of visual music to the public square.
All furniture within the new building was designed by Ramos Castellano Arquitectos and handcrafted by local artisans.
Construction Process
Project Drawings
△ Base schematic diagram
△ Negative Floor Plan
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Third floor plan
△ Fourth floor plan
△ Fifth floor plan
△ Sixth floor plan
△ Section diagram
△ Section diagram
△ Detailed sectional view
△ Elevation drawing
△ Elevation drawing
△ Detailed drawing
△ Detailed drawing
△ Detailed drawing
△ Detailed drawing
△ Detailed drawing
△ Detailed drawing
△ Hand-drawn analysis diagram
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
Project Information
Architect: Ramos Castellano Arquitectos
Area: 1,265 m²
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: Sergio Pirrone
Lead Architects: Eloisa Ramos, Moreno Castellano
Design Team: Zico Lopes, Bruno Kenny, Edoardo Meneghin, Marvin Delgado, Danil Silva, Marco dos Anjos
Structural Design: Ilidio Alexandre, Daniele Salvadorini, Francesco Bini, Denise Martins, Ricardo Martins, Luis Delgado
Project Consultants: Shrikar Bhave, Linda Lam, Ti Nene’, Giulia La Ganga, Concetta Cavallaro
Interior Design Team: Bruno Kenny, Edoardo Meneghin
Painting and Textiles: Alex Da Silva, Bela Duarte, Manuel Figueira, Joao Fortes
Number of Recycled Bucket Lids: 2,532
Location: Mindelo, Cape Verde
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