Survey and Lighting Retrofit as Instrument of Knowledge and Valorisation: The Casa de Vacas

The discipline of survey and representation are research instrument which play a key role for architecture with significant historical value. This research presents the surveys performed between 2019 and 2020 at Retiro Park in Madrid (Spain). The surveys were focused on the Casa de Vacas, one of the architectures located in the Park. The Casa de Vacas is located to the north of the Park and was built in 1874. Its name comes from the original function of preserving fresh milk. Over the years, its function has changed and, nowadays, the Casa de Vacas is an exhibition hall for events. The different stages of the building history during the Spanish monarchy and its construction were investigated through detailed archival research. By means of direct and instrumental methods surveys, two-dimensional and three-dimensional images have been realized to emphasize the architecture morphological aspects, the decorative elements of the façades and the relationship with the surrounding landscape. These images allow to transmit the intrinsic values of the analysed artifact, becoming an important instrument to show its current state. In addition, the survey showed that the Casa Vacas is poorly valued in the evening hours. Therefore, this research proposes a lighting retrofit design to enhance the cultural heritage and improve its fruition. Different lighting design scenarios have been developed and rendered by using a lighting design software. The comparison among the scenarios has allowed to identify the best solution to meet the lighting needs and the integration with the surrounding context.