11/12/2024
“Safeguarding and Restoration of Sala dos Capelos” is the name of this work that I visited. It is a rehabilitation of the buildings that make up the Paço das Escolas Complex of the University of Coimbra. The new roof is employed with adequate ventilation using clamps. The mortar used previously to lay the old tiles makes it impossible to reuse them. The new thus becomes necessary, in addition to promoting better performance for buildings. This is a complex built in different phases and which has already undergone numerous interventions. Its first use dates back to the 10th century, when it was built during Muslim rule in the territory. It later became the Palace of the Portuguese Kings, until the University of Coimbra was established there in the 16th century. Keeping it in good use and constant activity is the main objective. The choice of colored tiles is not an architectural design feature of this work, but rather the continuation of an action already carried out in a previous intervention, with the intention of making the color of the tiles resemble a “patina”. A matter of restoration criticism that some defend and others disapprove. In the end, there is a new creation, and even a stereotomy applied to the tiles.
📸 Fernanda Vierno, Cinde Guerreiro, Gabriela Avolio, Janainy Mota, Fernanda Tayná
