Cork and Cork Oak Observatory

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Santarém > Coruche > Coruche

Location

Located in the municipality of Coruche, a region profoundly shaped by cork oak culture and the cork industry, the Observatory is situated in the Monte da Barca Industrial Zone. This location positions it in an area with connections to the local economic context and relative proximity to the extensive cork oak woodlands that characterize Coruche's surrounding landscape.

Architecture Inspired by Nature

The building housing the Observatory is a creation of architect Manuel Couceiro. One of its most visible and distinctive features is the exterior cladding, entirely made of natural cork. This material choice is not merely aesthetic; it is part of the architectural concept, which seeks to evoke the image and vitality of the cork oak itself.

The Cork Oak and Cork in Depth

The Observatory is dedicated to highlighting the fundamental importance of the cork oak woodlands. This unique ecosystem and cork production are presented from various perspectives, from their environmental and cultural value to their most innovative applications. It is a space designed to deepen knowledge about the life cycle of the cork oak and the entire universe associated with cork, a product integral to the identity of Portugal and regions like Coruche.

Exploring the Interior Spaces

Within the Observatory, different spaces invite discovery. The exhibition area hosts exhibitions that explore the various applications of cork, demonstrating its versatility in design, fashion, architecture, and other areas, often in surprising ways. The auditorium, in addition to hosting events, is visually distinguished by its clad walls and frescoes that capture the colors and atmosphere of the cork oak woodlands.

Although some areas are dedicated to research and documentation, the existence of laboratories and a documentation center underlines the Observatory's role as a center for the study and compilation of knowledge about the cork oak and cork.

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