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The Pavilion of Portugal, designed by the architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, is constituted by two main bodies separated by a "construction joint". One of the bodies is a public square, measuring 60 x 50 m, covered by a thin concrete canopy, reinforced by stainless steel beams attached to the lateral porticos.

With two floors above the ground, the main body of the Pavilion is slightly higher than the rest. A concrete canopy extends over the "construction joint", enabling the architect to mark a subtle hierarchy in the relationship between the two bodies.

Designed by Siza Vieira for the 1998 World Exhibition, the Pavilion of Portugal is famous for its impressive concrete canopy. Constructed with the collaboration of the engineer, Segadães Tavares, and made of reinforced concrete, the canopy appears to be elegant and light, based on the idea of a sheet of paper resting on two bricks. It covers a large ceremonial square, looking out to the city, and is ideal for hosting large scale events.

For the structure of the interior area, currently closed to the public, Siza Vieira benefited from the collaboration of another leading Portuguese architect - Eduardo de Souto Moura.