Lighting and cultural heritage buildings: the case of Convento da Penha, Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract

Lighting is an essential part of the project, including in historic buildings. An adequate lighting project, effectively adjusted to the demands, values of the place and also its surroundings, contributing to its preservation. The article aims to understand the design assumptions adopted for the monumental lighting of buildings and architectural ensembles of cultural heritage, and the role of lighting in conservation. The object of study is the Convento da Penha, in Vila Velha, Espirito Santo, Brazil, a 16th century friary, which had its lighting redone in 2018. This qualitative research was based on the case study methodology, in which data were collected from archival documents, interviews with those involved in the project and on-site observations. Thus, it was possible to understand the lighting design process, and to analyze it according to the three functions identified as inherent to conservation: sustainability, communication and the enhancement of cultural significance of places. The sustainability of applied design practices aims to ensure the cultural significance of the cultural properties for contemporary society, without compromising future generations, allowing them to make their own readings. Communication has the role of highlighting the main characteristics of cultural properties, guiding the observer's reading and enabling the historical understanding of the monument. Valuation is the result of the previous ones, when well applied, making its use feasible, strengthening the community's interest in the conservation of the place. Guidelines are presented for future lighting design processes aimed at buildings with an interest in heritage conservation.