Living Forest Science Centre

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Castelo Branco > Proença-a-Nova > Moitas

Location:

The Floresta Live Science Centre is located in Moitas, a village in the municipality of Proença-a-Nova, part of the Pinhal Interior Sul region, in the district of Castelo Branco. This area is characterised by its remarkable forest density, which naturally makes the forest the central theme of this space. Its position allows for direct contact with an environment where nature plays a predominant role in the landscape.

It is surrounded by an arboretum, a space dedicated to tree diversity, where a route known as "Forest of Science" unfolds. This circuit invites visitors to interact with nature through various installations that explore scientific concepts related to the environment.

The Architecture of Knowledge:

The architectural conception of the Floresta Live Science Centre is distinctive, inspired by the cross-section of a pine trunk. This choice gives all interior spaces a predominantly circular shape, creating a cohesive environment symbolically linked to the forest theme. The design reflects a harmony with the Centre's purpose, which is to explore the forest as an inexhaustible source of knowledge.

Outside, an aquatic area encourages reflection on the interactions between aquatic ecosystems and global environmental balance, complementing the visitor's experience with a more comprehensive perspective of nature.

The Forest on Display:

The heart of the Centre is its permanent and interactive exhibition, entirely dedicated to the forest. This display invites discovery of the composition of the Portuguese forest and highlights its vast importance in socioeconomic, ecological, and environmental domains. Visitors are guided through modules that address the threats the forest faces and strategies for its conservation.

The exhibition is organised around three fundamental perspectives: the forest as a Source of Well-being, as a Source of Life, and as a Source of Wealth. Exploring its spaces allows visitors to understand the forest's role in maintaining air quality, atmospheric balance, and the relationship of the water cycle with soil protection, offering an in-depth look at its vitality and contribution to the planet.

Science and Nature in Dialogue:

In addition to the exhibition spaces, the Floresta Live Science Centre offers a variety of activities aimed at stimulating curiosity and knowledge in an informal way. Through thematic workshops and moments of dialogue about science, the Centre seeks to provide experiences that deepen the understanding of the forest and the environment.

This space is designed to be a place of experimentation and discovery, where interaction and the exploration of scientific and technological concepts are encouraged. Its approach seeks to empower visitors to a better understanding of the natural world, valuing the forest as a central element of contemporary scientific culture.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt