The main foyer of the Experimental Sciences building at the University of Vigo has unveiled a new mural inspired by the biodiversity of the Vigo estuary. This initiative, driven by the faculties of biology and marine sciences, seeks to humanise the entrance of the building and create a welcoming space for students, while reinforcing the shared identity of the two faculties.
The idea originated when Elsa Vázquez, then dean of marine sciences, and Mercedes Gallardo, dean of biology, sought a way to transform an area of the foyer that previously housed mailboxes. Their goal was to establish a comfortable place for the university community and visitors attending events in the building's auditorium, which hosts both internal activities and public events.
“We aim to create a meeting place for students and humanise the entrance of the faculties,”
explains Vázquez, who is now the director of the Marine Research Centre at the University of Vigo. She notes that the initiative follows the example of other meeting spaces created in various centres of the academic institution, including the Faculty of Chemistry, which inaugurated a similar area dedicated to three lesser-known Galician scientists last year.
The estuary as a symbol of identity
In defining the theme of the mural, Vázquez and Gallardo chose the Vigo estuary and its habitats as a representative element of both faculties. They believed the artistic proposal should reflect the natural richness of the surroundings while keeping the marine fauna that has accompanied university life in the foyer for the past quarter-century in mind. This is particularly relevant as the marine sculptures currently in the foyer will soon be removed due to deterioration and safety concerns, making the mural a symbolic preservation of their presence in a new format.
The artwork does not depict a specific location within the estuary but rather offers an artistic interpretation of the biodiversity along its coasts. Based on the ideas presented by the two deans, the agency Táktika Comunicación created an initial sketch that was collaboratively refined to reach the final design.
Enhancing university life
This intervention is part of a broader effort to improve the image and functionality of spaces within both faculties. Current dean of marine sciences, Cristina Sobrino, emphasises that the aim is not solely aesthetic; it is also about encouraging students to feel comfortable and engage more in university life. The new relaxation area next to the mural has been well received, prompting consideration of similar spaces in other parts of the centre.
During this renovation process, other needs were identified, including repainting some classrooms. Sobrino highlights that these proposals are still in the reflection phase and their potential implementation will depend on available resources. “The goal is to explore different options and prioritise the actions we consider most necessary,”
she adds.
