Architectural Models of the Álvaro Siza Archive

The Art Library and Gulbenkian Archives has in its holdings documentation related to 38 architectural projects by the architect Álvaro Siza.

 

Drawings, written pieces, photographs, administrative documentation and 54 models. This documentation has been subject to an inventory, digital reproduction and preservation actions.

Headquarters of 25 de Abril Association
Terraços de Bragança. Lisbon, Portugal, 1991
Removing adhesives with crepe rubber
Santa Maria Church and Parish Centre

The 54 architectural models are non-final models, working tools mainly made of simple materials such as card, cardboard, coated polyurethane foam and polystyrene. They were in poor condition, with dust, adhesive stains, structural damage and physical deformation.

Dry cleaning with white eraser to remove severe dirtiness
Dry cleaning with white eraser to remove severe dirtiness
Fixing of loose decorative elements
Fixing of loose decorative elements
Construction of customized packaging in corrugated polypropylene
Figurative details

A conservation plan was developed with the purpose of cleaning all the models, restore their structural integrity and ensure its safe packaging.

Urban planning and study of Praça de Espanha
Dry cleaning with a micro-dust vacuum cleaner to remove dirt particles
Dry cleaning with a micro-dust vacuum cleaner to remove dirt particles

Special collections conservation

The preservation of the Art Library and Gulbenkian Archives collection presents a daily challenge that results into the development of several conservation and restoration actions.

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Updated on 19 august 2020

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