Palácio da Ajuda Store

At the end of a museum or palace visit, visitors often encounter a commercial area — the Palácio da Ajuda Store.

As the main design concept, a “second skin” was created to envelop both the exhibition and store areas. This new layer introduces a bright and comfortable atmosphere, merging the two spaces into one unified architectural language and scale.

The elevator, a central feature in one of the spaces, creates a void in this new skin to emphasize its verticality. In the adjoining room, a central counter takes shape, around which the store naturally organizes itself.

The spatial layout and new architectural element follow, in a contemporary way, the principles of the palace’s design — symmetry, proportion, and centrality. Thus, the Palácio da Ajuda Store enhances the visitor experience while preserving historical coherence.