Towards a New Approach of Architectural Heritage Intervention in Portugal: Fernando Távora and the Refurbishment of the Casa Da Igreja of Mondim De Basto (1958–1961)

Abstract

The Casa da Igreja of Mondim de Basto (1958-1961) is a pioneering work of architectural renovation in the career of the Portuguese architect Fernando Távora (1923-2005), where he applies the theoretical approaches of conciliation between the values of tradition and the advances of the Modern Movement directly on the historical pre-existence. The design was at a time of extraordinary intellectual density and great architectural production of the author, coinciding with his attendance at the last CIAM and conduction of the "Inquiry into Popular Architecture in Portugal". Though little investigated previously, Casa da Igreja can be considered a paradigm of the so-called "third way" and an experimental work in search of personal criteria of heritage intervention. The project reveals careful analysis of pre-existence, supporting sensible introduction of contemporary language in respectful continuity with the forms and atmospheres of the past. This design strategy shows the key points of an emerging modus operandi to be developed in later interventions with strong repercussion and pedagogy in the Portuguese context.

Toward the Adaptive Reuse of Vernacular Architecture: Practices from the School of Porto

“…In this context, the renovation of Além House can be considered a bold experience, halfway between philological conservation and formal innovation. Despite its undoubted interest, this work has not been discussed in monographs about the architect (except for the author's studies [50,62]), nor has he sought to spread it himself. Alcino Cardoso House is located in Lugar da Gateira, a small village within the municipality of Moledo in the northern Portuguese region of Alto Minho.…”

Adaptive Reuse of Manor Houses: Modernism and Tradition in Fernando Távora’s Approach for Heritage Renovation

“…In this respect, Tá vora forged a new approach to heritage intervention methodology and criteria in Portugal. His personal modus operandi first became visible at the end of the 1950's at experimental refurbishments such as the Casa do Alé m (1956)(1957)(1958)(1959)(1960)(1961)(1962)(1963)(1964)(1965)(1966)(1967) and the Casa da Igreja (1958)(1959)(1960)(1961) and later developed in other renovations with strong repercussion and pedagogy in the Portuguese context [7]. The expansion of the Pousada de Santa Marinha da Costa (1972Costa ( -1985, the Escola Superior Agrária de Refóios do Lima (1987Lima ( -1993 and the Casa da Rua Nova (1985-1987) can be highlighted.…”