The intervention is divided into three zones. The corridor, the main lobby and the staircase.

In the second intervention zone, the main lobby, the exhibition is divided into two parts.

These structures tell the story and dream of the young prince who, with Jules Verne as inspiration, explores in many ways his fascination with the deep sea and the history of the building, which is one of the oldest aquariums of the world, its collections and live exhibition.

The second part is presented using the aquarium’s original showcases. Considering the history and importance of the showcases, the intervention was confined exclusively to its interior. The interiors, shelves and backs were reinforced, new lighting fixures and graphic elements were applied.

The showcases present the history of the First Oceanographic Campaign on the Yacht Amelia.

This requalification remains faithful to the original concept of the aquarium as a recreational and educational institution and intends to reinforce the public’s relationship with the Vasco da Gama Aquarium, to create curiosity and enthusiasm for the knowledge of water living beings and to inspire in everyone the desire to protect the natural world.

Scope

Exhibition, Identity, Signage

Client

Vasco da Gama Aquarium

P 06 studio was invited to requalify the entrance and main lobby of the Vasco da Gama Aquarium.

With D. Carlos I dream and attraction for the deep sea for inspiration, P 06 studio re-structured, re-invented and modernized the way the aquarium presents it self to de public.

The intervention is divided into three zones. The corridor, the main lobby and the staircase.

The first intervention zone is the corridor, an attached structure to the original Vasco da Gama Aquarium building that serves as access to the main lobby. Color filters were applied in every window and glass door, to transform this zone in the first immersive moment.

The blue color from the filters contaminates the entire space, portraiting the surface of the sea. The color filters have cut out words and sentences that seem to float on water.

In the second intervention zone, the main lobby, the exhibition is divided into two parts.

The first part consists of large graphic structures, with graphic pannels and round showcases, which function as gazes to the king’s imagination. These large scale structures were integrated into the pre-existing wall niches, highlighting the room’s original design.

These structures tell the story and dream of the young prince who, with Jules Verne as inspiration, explores in many ways his fascination with the deep sea and the history of the building, which is one of the oldest aquariums of the world, its collections and live exhibition.

The second part is presented using the aquarium’s original showcases. Considering the history and importance of the showcases, the intervention was confined exclusively to its interior. The interiors, shelves and backs were reinforced, new lighting fixures and graphic elements were applied.

The showcases present the history of the First Oceanographic Campaign on the Yacht Amelia.

In the third intervention zone, the staircase which leads to the main exhibition is transformed into a deep sea dive.

The walls and ceilings were painted blue, scenographic lighting and graphic elements were applied. The graphic elements represent the various species of aquatic creatures in their respective depth in the ocean. With this staircase becomes the second immersive moment.

This requalification remains faithful to the original concept of the aquarium as a recreational and educational institution and intends to reinforce the public’s relationship with the Vasco da Gama Aquarium, to create curiosity and enthusiasm for the knowledge of water living beings and to inspire in everyone the desire to protect the natural world.

Creative Direction

Pedro Anjos

Designers

Jacinta Fialho
Nádia Ferrer

Photo

José Vicente, @agenciacalipo