Kristofer Adelaide: Postcard from Lisbon

Whatever the world is feeling like right now –  I felt like the picture above for a few days when I went to see one of my very best friends get married on the outskirts of Lisbon, in the town of Sintra. However this postcard above is not about the wedding – it's about the city of tiles I discovered.

I decided upon taking my trip to the wedding that it was worth travelling out a couple of days beforehand to engage and explore the city. I was taken aback by the quality of the historic buildings and the architecture, which I somehow had not really expected. Discovering this abundance of design made me ponder how and could I relate this to the future?

I feel there is a beauty and definition in the cladding styles that can turn a drab rendered wall into a magical and playful street. A lot of these streets are not flat, but on every corner a new glimpse and pattern would appear and... oh my, I fell in love with them!

Perhaps it was the warmth and glow of sunshine that dazzled me as I had left London drenched in rain and on a delayed departure from Gatwick, or possibly that I was disoriented having got so lost on arrival, with nearly every road name sounding so similar.

But I think not. It was the the fact that the sun hit tiles and not layers of brickwork – the lack of brick was replaced by facades of ceramic designed tiles in vibrant and colourful designs. Furthermore it was the people, be they the locals or passers-by from some faraway place, that sat to chat. And the contrast and comparison in a place that in fact shares the same timeline as London.

So I wonder – could a tile facade add to the new London Fabulous movement, using colours and patterns to rejuvenate our outlooks and sparkle our streets, making them magical routes even when it rains? We are full of very positive viewpoints and outlooks; hopefully this will be added into our architectural design, facade finishes and choices.

Feel like more architectural travels? Visit the world via postcards here