A caminho de Santiago: Arquitectura popular em projeto

Abstract

This dissertation addresses the vernacular architecture; we observe their constructive processes and identify models of space organization adapted to living patterns; we verify how the cultural and territorial framework is revealed in the surrounding architectural landscape. We take the project exercise as main instrument to answer issues raised by the nature of vernacular architecture. The practical exercise deals with the design of an accommodation house ('albergue') for an integrated place on the Road to Santiago. The place of intervention defines the study field, which focuses specifically the territorial unity of the Northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. The project is the result of a journey produced in a dialectic that combined the disciplines of 'history', 'theory' and 'project'. The first chapter, The debate of vernacular architecture, clarifies some concepts inherent to vernacular. We expose later, in their chronological sequence, the development of the discussion around vernacular architecture; based on historical facts, the approach points to architecture problems according to temporal and cultural context; calls also for involved personalities and paradigmatic works. We emphasize the Iberian context, particularly in the comparative analysis of inquiries to vernacular architecture. The last part discusses consequences of the debate on architectural production. The second chapter, An approach to project context, is based on territorial framework from place of project intervention. The first part deals with the phenomenon of pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela as a cultural manifestation, which is reflected in the organization and construction of the territory. The route of Santiago directs to study of monastic structure; we recognize the affinities between this model and the accommodation house, especially in the way to adapting architecture to the everyday of inhabitant. The second part characterizes the urban dimension of rural settlement; the place of project intervention, Rúa de Francos, is taken as an example to study. The third chapter, Themes of vernacular architecture, is structured in five premises that prove to be crucial on shaping the Northwest peninsular territory and architecture: object in landscape construction; composition of rural settlement; dialogue between form and function: constructive composition and groupings; elements of indoor-outdoor transition; material plasticity. These five moments consider, respectively, different dimensions of space: territory, place of intervention, building, constructive elements and plastic treatment. The fourth and final chapter, The vernacular architecture interpreted by contemporary architecture, focuses on the project exercise; appoints underlying conditions and clarifies answers given by the project to purpose of creating an integrated architecture in landscape and in dialogue with the surrounding constructive structures. Finally we reflect about the fundamental objective of this work by understanding how to interpret, in contemporary project, the experience of this integrated and 'anonymous' architecture.