Traditional construction in mediterranean Portugal

Abstract

Portuguese traditional architecture is at a stage that one couldconsider as expectant, in the measure that, if on the one hand thereis a recognition of its architectonical qualities linked to traditionand to landscape integration, on the other hand its adaptability tocontemporary times has been inefficient. The general populationdoesn’t give it much credit, and doesn’t hesitate to replace this heritageby a new reality, with no feelings of loss. The probable causeof the permanency of so much of this heritage, both individual andin rural groups, is based on two main factors, emigration to newcities and other countries, and economical difficulties in the oneswho stay. Nevertheless, a new hope seems to be emerging after30 years of persistent work of a very few whose dedication to traditionalarchitecture has been marked by local research, throughcareful register of archaeological, anthropological, architecturalevidence, amongst other disciplines and, lately, through the carefulinvestigation of materials and technologies with the resources ofuniversities and their laboratories. In parallel, reference editionshave emerged. Besides the excellent interventions in conservation,restoration, and rehabilitation of buildings of traditional technologyand expression, other examples of contemporary architecturethat uses traditional materials and technology, a lot of them (re)establishing equilibriums in the field of physical integration, bothin rural and urban areas.