Imagining the Space and Time: The reconversion of the Clarissa's monastery

Initial contact with the site revealed a lack of structured ideas, forcing us to reexamine the cistern’s role and rebuild the project from a neglected historical context. Direct engagement with the monument exposed challenges in grasping its spatial features and intricate details, requiring continuous onsite analysis. Starting with a blank slate and minimal external references further complicated developing a coherent proposal. Balancing historical integrity with transformative reconversion to serve community needs emerged as a key difficulty.

The Museum of Art and History of Santarém (MAhS) addresses the city’s need for a dedicated exhibition space by creating a venue for temporary and permanent displays that celebrate its rich Neolithic heritage and historical artefacts. Inspired by institutions such as the Serralves Museum and the Galician Centre for Contemporary Art, the project introduces a unique structure that forges a dynamic dialogue between modern design and historic context. Rather than altering the existing church, the design reconfigures its Latin cross by adding a new monolithic volume anchored to the original transept. This sensitive intervention respects the monument’s legacy while emphasizing a contemporary spatial narrative. Embedded in the natural terrain, the design connects two distinct levels. The upper level, accessed via a promenade linked to the church, offers expansive views of the Santarém and Tagus River. The lower level forms a secondary square that employs the golden rectangle to craft a transitional, contemplative area reminiscent of the old convent’s cloister, reinterpreting historical boundaries as serene mediating elements. Notable features include meticulously choreographed access points, a facade with deliberate gaps echoing the church’s design language, and a floating monolith supported by slats aligned with key city landmarks. The adaptive reuse of a nearby cistern further underscores the project’s commitment to environmental sensitivity. In sum, MAhS represents the culmination of rigorous research and thoughtful integration of new geometry with historic context, confidently inviting visitors to “Imagine the Space and Time” while reaffirming Santarém’s cultural identity.