Appreciation of the Lighting Design for the Museum of the Presidency of the Portuguese Republic
Since 1723, this has been the residence of the Portuguese royal family. It is a garden palace purchased by King Pedro V at the time, and has undergone expansion and renovation. Its main purpose was as a royal vacation retreat. As for whether it was the queen who brought the vacation vibe, it is impossible to verify for the romantically inclined Latins. Visitors, seeing its pink walls, can hardly imagine that since 1912 this has been the official residence of successive Portuguese presidents.
The museum installed a white box, clad in Tassos marble on the floors and walls, forming an impersonal, homogeneous container ready to receive the exposed elements. This organization frees up space, ensuring that display cases do not appear loose, referencing these to form a complete assembly with the walls.
The diversity of perspectives stems from different areas and their fluidity; its structural route and suggestions for environmental sensitivity are created by materiality and components, with surfaces vibrating with the intrinsic chromatic changes of light according to the Portuguese flag. Similarly, once looking at objects inside the display cases, one discovers optical illusions, where one sees light rather than lighting projections.
The museum's reconstruction, commemorating its 1000-year existence, proposes new imagery linked to interpretive structures related to planned future expansions. It considers principles of reduction (number of materials), reuse (materials and systems), recycling (exhibited objects) and renewal (selection of materials using renewable resources that do not damage the balanced environment).
The use of existing materials and display cases with new functions adapted to promote a sustainable exhibition economy. It is necessary to communicate with the public, informing them of its existence, content and activities. Therefore, the designers created three semi-transparent trees in the courtyard with indoor lighting, protecting the path from sun and rain, welcoming those entering the museum exhibition halls from the entrance.
The diversity of perspectives stems from different areas and their fluidity; its structural route and suggestions for environmental sensitivity are created by materiality and components, with surfaces vibrating with the intrinsic chromatic changes of light according to the Portuguese flag. Similarly, once looking at objects inside the display cases, one discovers optical illusions, where one sees light rather than lighting projections.