Evaluation of pre-existing forms in the design process: Considerations, methodologies and teaching experience

Abstract

For more than one decade our country has been focusing more closely on the rehabilitation of cities. This implies looking into the past with a more reflexive point of view, seeking to place value on history and exercising greater caution when conducting actions related to our historic centers. This shift has been promoted at the public and private levels and includes several actions, among them the declarations of World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization (UNESCO), the Heritage Value Placement Program and other heritage-related initiatives. This article shares the authors’ teaching experience and findings revealing a teaching process that systematically assesses the state of conservation of buildings. Hence, the use of surveying, diagnostic and definition of intervention criteria is considered essential in the training of new generations that can value pre-existing elements. Finally, future application challenges are shared along with a revision of recent interventions and considering the difficulties in a scenario of restricted resources.