A melancolia da casa idealizada. Formas e materiais arquitectónicos tradicionais da Ribeira Grande. Cabo Verde.

Abstract

This paper is a study on the Architectural Forms and Materials of Traditional Dwellings of Ribeira Grande in Cape Verde, in the context of (re)constructing a nest of memories through the transcendental reflection in a historical place which is the cradle of Cape Verdean identity. At a time when the historical centers successively lose its inhabitants and its building heritage is deteriorating day by day, there is no doubt that it is necessary to intervene. It is therefore important to discuss how we can transform this and other areas, adapting them to contemporary society without, losing its essence. Thereby producing this work of reflection, in an attempt to respond to the intervention in the historical heritage, branched into three basic sections: first, the study of place and identity (as intrinsic to the object of study), second, the approach to what are the characteristics of traditional dwellings (while physical matter) and, third, the melancholy of the idealized house (in response to the Rehabilitation Project on the concept Updating the Traditional). This work aims to contribute in this way to the thorough understanding of memory and Cape Verdean identity, waging on the appreciation of constructive techniques of traditional dwellings without losing human dignity.