Uma (re)visão do Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis

Abstract

With this simple but solid observation, Le Corbusier describes the light and the essential relationship that this element establishes with the spaces and shapes it reveals. Seeking to unravel this dialogue, this research focus on the reality of this 'matter' whose present, but not tangible state, has always fascinated Man. Nowadays, we are witnessing not only the continuous millenary fascination for the natural light, but also a dazzling view of the growing capabilities of artificial light. In order to decode the role of this 'material' in the contemporary interior and exterior design, this work has selected an architectural typology where relevant aspects of lighting design in those two contexts can be perceived: the Museum. On the one hand, and in most cases, this institution is installed in a building of exceptional character in the urban tissue, so that, at night, its presence can be positively valued under the effect of artificial lighting. On the other hand, the function 'par excellence' given to the museum - as a public display of artistic, historic, scientific and technic objects - implies that, in its interior, the lighting project must be the result of a careful multidisciplinary work. Often absent (or negligent), this Project's tool awareness needs further improvement in our museums. Combining the concepts of sensibility, technology and preventive conservation, artificial light should be seen, not only as an instrument for observing objects and spaces, but above all as a fundamental part of the contemporary architecture Creation Process.