Da Arquitetura do Ramo Grande, Valorização da identidade da Casa Rural de carácter urbano

Abstract

The current work is centered on the study of an architectural style designated "Arquitetura do Ramo Grande". This theme, for lack of information or rigor in the existing literature, is not sufficiently analyzed and, consequently, is poorly understood. Usually "Arquitetura do Ramo Grande" pertains to a set of rural houses, constructed in the Island of Terceira, after the earthquake of June 15, 1841, affecting the area between the parishes of Agualva and Fonte do Bastardo. The main purpose of this study is to show that this designation has, at times, been wrongly used since it only pertains to a subset of the rural houses and not all of those constructed after the earthquake. The conclusion is that "Arquitetura do Ramo Grande" should be understood as an architectural evolution and building improvement of previous rural typologies. To arrive at this conclusion, the study involved the analysis of a set of rural houses constructed in the area of study, to insert the Ramo Grande architecture in an evolution process. It differs from other typologies in the design of the tripartite façade, in the composition of the interior spaces and in the construction system. To illustrate the knowledge gained, as a complement to the characterization, we advance with a proposal of a remodeling intervention in a "Ramo Grande" house. To this effect a set of architectural principles were assumed in order to enhance the original characteristics of the building, adapting it to current living standards, in a program that addresses the owner's needs.