Developing A Structure for Surveying Portuguese Dwellings: Integrating Inspection and Heritage Conservation Theory in Practice (Part II)

Abstract

: A model suitable for the evaluation of the state of conservation of older buildings, applicable to a Portuguese setting, was presented in a previous edition of this conference. This model emerged from a review of a substantial body of relevant Portuguese and international work from the past two decades, to ensure a transparent, integrated approach to decision-making when intervening in the historic built environment. The model divides structures into their individual components – walls, flooring, ceilings, roofs and terraces and drainage – whilst understanding their interconnected nature. This paper, the second part of the series, presents and explores the model in further detail, critically engaging with how it works when implemented in the real world, specifically with regard to the “walls” component. The paper examines the model’s data collection, analysis and prognosis processes and, drawing from extensive practical data, discussing the model’s effectiveness in identifying main pathologies by type of construction and in doing so evaluating its effectiveness when applied to a fuller range of residential buildings in Continental Portugal.