October 25
From Casa Andresen to Hall of Biodiversity – Ciência Viva Center
14:30 – 16:30
Nr of participants: 25
Accessibility for wheelchairs: YES
The Hall of Biodiversity – Ciência Viva Center occupies an emblematic building in the city of Porto, the former home of the Andresen family, and opened to the public in June 2017. This science communication space brought new perspectives to a place already full of meanings for the city. This building, which was originally a family home, was also a teaching and attendance space for the academic community, having been the place for biology classes in the second half of the 20th century. Today this museum space accumulates all these memories returning, however, to the original design of the building. Academic, literary and botanical connections in one place, associated with a new scientific exhibition environment, creating distinct engagements with a variety of audiences. How to incorporate the multiples memory layers of a space, maintaining the relationships that different communities have with it? How to preserve the architectural memory of the space, adjusting it to a new meaning, preparing it to receive a distinct museology, capable of communicating science. How to recover the original architectural character of this historic building, emblematic of the city, for public enjoyment. During the visit we will address the architectural responses developed in the refurbishing of the building and preparation of the exhibition space.
Mediation and Discussion
Nuno Valentim
Born in Porto (1971), degree in Architecture at FAUP (1995), MSc in Rehabilitation of Architectural Heritage at FEUP (2007) and PhD in Architecture FAUP (2016) with dissertation and thesis in Architectural Practice, Heritage and Regulation. Started independent professional practice in 1994. Assistant Professor at FAUP since 2005. With a vast experience in the rehabilitation of historical buildings, he has overseen the requalification of Casa Andresen in the Botanical Garden of Porto and its conversion into the Biodiversity Hall, the Extension of the Lycée Français International de Porto – Classrooms, Canteen and Sports Pavilion and Bolhão Market Restoration and Modernization project (Porto’s central market). Selection of awarded works: IHRU/Nuno Teotónio Pereira National Prize and National Urban Rehabilitation Prize 2017/18 to the Rehabilitation of the Albergues Nocturnos do Porto; and the João de Almada Prize 2014 to the Rehabilitation of Marques da Silva’s building from 1928 (in co-authorship with Francisco Barata and José Luis Gomes CEFA-UP)g the inaugural exhibition at the Serralves Museum, Circa 1968, in 1999. She was responsible for several curatorial projects throughout her career among them with the artists: Maria Nordman, Grupo Homeostética, Antoni Muntadas, Pedro Cabrita Reis, Cildo Meireles, Helena Almeida, Paula Rego, Tacita Dean, João Maria Gusmão e Pedro Paiva e Carla Filipe. Carla Filipe’s exhibition, “in my own language I am independente”, is currently on display at the Serralves Museum until 17 of September of 2023.
How to get there
Rua do Campo Alegre 1191, 4150-181 Porto, Portugal
Bus
200 and 207
From the Bus stop Palácio
Last stop Faculdade de Ciências
Then walk for 1 minute
Total 10 minutes
Walking (from Palácio de Cristal)
25 minutes
At the end of the visit, please go to Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis for a welcome drink at 17.30 – R. de Dom Manuel II 44, 4050-522 Porto.
Site plan and Plans
