Blog

Colorful Glass Bridging History with the Future

 

I love this project by Manuel Maia Gomes for its use of colorful glass to create a lively interplay between historic architecture and contemporary art.

As part of a larger renovation under his direction, Gomes installed these large, playful panels of glass in a passageway connecting two 16th century buildings (remodeled in the 18th century) in Vila do Conde, Portugal. Centrally located and open to the public, the passage now serves as an exhibition space for painting, sculpture, and media arts. It leads to another gallery with a specialized focus on video arts and film.

 

Images by FG+SG – Fernando Guerra, Sergio Guerra (via Arch Daily)

 

Hints of the luminous colorful glass can be seen from the exterior, luring visitors to the space. Inside, Gomes has juxtaposed the modern glass work with remnants of the original architecture, including a stone portico, some stairs, and granite walls (which have conveniently eco-friendly thermal properties). The wash of colorful light pouring over the older elements appears to contribute to that sense of dance between ancient and modern—the association of stained glass in a sacred space on the one hand and a totally vibrant, contemporary sensibility on the other. It’s a graceful, seamless approach to embodying past, present, and future all at once.