Intervir no património: A Casa dos 24 enquanto paradigma

Abstract

This study aims to decode the intervention strategies underlying the project Casa dos 24, designed by the architect Fernando Távora because it is a work of contemporary architecture located in a historical area. The proposed case study is a tower-like construction built next to the Oporto's Cathedral, on the ruins of what had once been the city council. First, is presented a brief analysis of some writings of important theoreticians in the area of restoration and rehabilitation, as well as documents considered essential about intervention in historical centres published during the 20th century. Simultaneously, an analysis is made of the evolution of the professional career of the architect Fernando Távora, through the characterization of some works projected at different times. In a second phase, the transformations of the Cathedral churchyard are documented from the first demolitions proposed by the DGEMN, between the years 30/40 of the twentieth century, to the present day. In a final phase, the specificities of Casa dos 24, as an architectural work, are analyzed through a bibliographical research and later graphic analysis. The objective of this investigation is to clarify the intervention strategies underlying Fernando Távora's proposal, given the controversies surrounding the construction of the new building, which is clearly contemporary and built only 7 meters away from the Oporto's Cathedral.