Cork blocks used to build Eurovision village

Blocks of expanding cork conglomerate were used in building Lisbon’s Eurovision Village.

The village, set up in the city’s Terreiro do Paço square to cater to thousands of Eurovision fans from all over the world, uses the material in the Lounge within the space which has a music/dj stage, a VIP photo area and customised iconic 1960s and 1970s food, drink and beverage vans.

The cork used in the Eurovision Lounge, designed by Mood, was sponsored by the Portuguese cork producer Amorim through its subsidiary Amorim Insulation.

Cristina Andrade, the Coordinator for Eurovision Village says, “We chose cork for this space because it is a Portuguese raw material and an event of this importance and magnitude and the characteristics of cork were sufficient reasons to use it.”

She added that cork is “100% ecological, comfortable, versatile and aesthetically very beautiful with enormous wealth associated with it.”

Cristina Andrade explained that with so many positive arguments in its favour, it was fairly easy to convince the Eurovision Song Contest organisers that cork was the ideal material for the lounge and that Amorim Insulation was “essential for the result which is visible for all to see”.

Rita Muralha and Raul Santos, who runs design atelier Mood, says: “Amorim’s support was crucial for developing the lounge area and esplanade at the Eurovision Village. We used cork blocks normally destined for use in insulation and created walls and furniture. These blocks, which are solid yet portable, are ideal for this kind of ephemeral project given their characteristics.”

She added: “They almost work like giant LEGO bricks, lending the lounge a very contemporary look. Moreover, it’s a 100% natural made-in-Portugal product integrated into an event with huge international visibility and it makes total sense to promote the fact that we’ve used cork, which comes from our country, in the fixture.”