Situated in the heart of Lisbon, Convento do Beato was originally built in the XVth century and stands as a testament to history and spirituality. The refurbishment project, initiated in 2018, allowed for a modernized use as Events Centre, for parties, corporate meetings and product launches. It opened its doors to the public in 2023.
The Architecture project is by atelier Risco, and is focused on improving comfort and safety, with a new Lighting scheme playing a decisive role.
The choice of materials and finishes, led by attention to detailing, set the architects’ work apart. The project included the conservation of existing materials, textures, and application of traditional construction techniques, dealing with stone and timber, for example.
One of the strategies of the lighting project, in order to accompany this extraordinary attention to detail, was to organize a series of mock-ups and tests on site. The objectives were mainly to control light distribution, the creation of shadows and the quality of light and colour rendering. The results achieved would not have been possible and made consensual within the project team and Client, without these mock-ups.
Another key feature of the lighting project is its adaptability, with the integration of dynamic lighting in some of the key areas, that can be adjusted to complement special events or celebrations.
The main space of the project is the central cloister, designed for hosting larger scale events, with a system of orthogonally arranged trusses covering the central area of the space, now generously lit from above by skylights.
As daylight fades, the subtle interplay of light and shadow unveils the details of the cloister’s interior façades. The lighting proposal for this space addressed the necessity for different pre-set scenarios for specific uses, while allowing full dimming flexibility, to achieve different ambiences and moods. Linear lighting fixtures were discretely integrated in the skylights, in a matrix where each skylight could be individually digitally addressed, switched and dimmed. This way, lighting carefully balances modern technology with the preservation of the site’s historical authenticity, creating a memorable experience for visitors.
The arcades and main stairwell of the building were also refurbished and lit elegantly, bringing accent to the beautiful heritage features, colours and architectural details.
