Between function, communication and conservation: reflections on the conservation of contemporary scientific design objects – the case of Fertility Object by Susana Soares

Inês Coutinho; Cristiana Damas; Susana França de Sá

doi:10.14568/cp45391

Authors

Inês Coutinho Unidade de Investigação VICARTE - Vidro e Cerâmica para as Artes, NOVA FCT, Campus de Caparica 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; Dep. de Conservação e Restauro, NOVA FCT, Campus de Caparica 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9537-5352
Cristiana Damas Unidade de Investigação VICARTE - Vidro e Cerâmica para as Artes, NOVA FCT, Campus de Caparica 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; Dep. de Conservação e Restauro, NOVA FCT, Campus de Caparica 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; LAQV REQUIMTE, NOVA School of Science and Technology | NOVA FCT, Campus de Caparica 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
Susana França de Sá Unidade de Investigação VICARTE - Vidro e Cerâmica para as Artes, NOVA FCT, Campus de Caparica 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; LAQV REQUIMTE, NOVA School of Science and Technology | NOVA FCT, Campus de Caparica 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2445-9361

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14568/cp45391

Keywords:

Conservation of scientific design, Cultural mediation, Glass conservation, Decision-making, Interviews

Abstract

The conservation of contemporary design objects that combine scientific function, interaction and material fragility requires methodological approaches that go beyond conventional material-based treatments. This article proposes a conservation methodology for contemporary scientific design objects, using Fertility Object by Susana Soares as a case study. The methodology integrates material characterization, experimental testing of conservation strategies, assessment of tangible and intangible values, and interdisciplinary dialogue between conservators, the designer and the museum institution. Through this process, the study addresses decision-making related to cleaning, preservation of use-related traces, and exhibition strategies, balancing material integrity, functional authenticity and communicative clarity. Rather than presenting a single-object solution, the article demonstrates a transferable, value-based and collaborative framework that can support conservation and curatorial decisions for complex contemporary design objects situated at the intersection of design, science and museology.

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