Valorização turística de uma unidade florestal - Rota dos Moinhos do Rio Balsemão

Abstract

In Magueija, the molinological heritage located on the Balsemão River needs an integrated recovery plan. This vernacular heritage, allied to the old houses on the hillside of that valley and the surrounding nature, form a forest unit that urgently needs to be preserved and made known. This is the challenge addressed in this dissertation, how to do it in a sustainable way so that this vernacular culture does not get lost over the years. The study starts from the analysis of the concept of Rural Landscape, which integrates this vernacular molinological heritage, intrinsically linked to the knowledge acquired by generations about traditional milling. In this approach, its rehabilitation is used as a transmission of knowledge, which reinforces its valorization by those who visit it. The built structures and their balanced coexistence with nature are evident, in a degree of demand of the project that must be sensitive to the natural environment and the local culture. The addition to this landscape and existing structures of a rural tourism program guarantees their survival and longevity. Throughout this dissertation, the importance of environmental valorization and the preservation of this space is revealed, which which imposes unique demands on its planning. The potential of those buildings is sought and the infrastructural needs of the place are identified. The answer emerges from the sensitivity of the design of a general plan of intervention in this territory, which was called the "Plan of Intentions", followed by small plans, of a closer scale, of the various sectors that compose it. Their interconnection ends up naturally defining a "Mills' Route of Balsemão River", which will allow the visitor to fully enjoy this family legacy. The territorial strategy developed is implemented in three case studies of buildings. These act as a reference for all other equivalents in this unit. The content of the dissertation is valued with the sharing of practical knowledge acquired in this construction.