Surveying Regional Architecture for Cultural Significance: Mapping the network and footprint of the “Inquérito à Arquitectura Regional Portuguesa” in Portugal and abroad (1945-1974)

Since the beginning of the 20th century, Vernacular architecture has attracted the attention of a variety of ethnographical, geographical, anthropological, architectural studies (among other fields). As the first studies looked at the Vernacular context as a repository of memory, cultural authenticity and nationality, other studies (surveys) followed with a particular focus in time. Between the 30’s and 40’s, and later, from the 50’s onwards, the Modern Movement’s principles became, increasingly, more focused on adapting architecture to local conditions, as well as, on adopting the character of the places, and, of the basics of daily life. Through this process, Vernacular architecture and settlements remained fundamental sources of information and inspiration, which increasingly denounced the incompleteness of the categories of cultural heritage, which for long remained focused on military, religious and noble architecture. A network of actors (ranging from the field of history to the field of heritage management) highly contributed for highlighting the qualities of Vernacular Architecture worldwide, first in their own territories and later internationally. Important discussions leading to action have risen, not only as an immediate consequence of the publication of these studies, but also because this multidisciplinary network of people was actively involved in changing how the built environment ought to be transformed or changing it themselves with their projects. In a general way, they paved the way to an ever more “respectful”, “inclusive”, “sensible”, “integrated” and local architecture.

Research dedicated to cultural significance, Vernacular Architecture and architectural surveys/mappings, have greatly contributed for the further understanding of the relevance of these mappings and the discussions emerging from them, sometimes, even sharing some personal testimonies that help new researchers better understand and triangulate between an interpretation of the facts, although most of the times these contributions can be read individually. There is seldom research actually addressing the question of how these surveys on vernacular architecture, their networks and methodologies, were influential for the concept of cultural significance and the understanding of heritage beyond the “monument”. Being also evident that a research focusing such a relevant concept and events should be careful and inclusive towards the benefits of a multidisciplinary narrative and timeframe, which, so far, isn’t evident enough.

This research is focused on the hypothesis that the concept of "cultural significance" (Australia ICOMOS, 1999), is a transversal and pre-existing concept. The main objective is to understand how the concept of ‘cultural significance’, evolves and expands - between ’45 and ‘75 -, focusing on the Survey on Portuguese Regional Architecture (Inquérito à Arquitectura Regional Portuguesa, IARP 1955-1961) as a case-study. It aims at decoding its actors’ network, methodologies and footprint, in Portugal and abroad. And also, at systematizing and developing considerations on how this specific case differs from other studies on cultural significance at the scale of World heritage, such as cultural landscape and serial nominations, who entail a regional approach to significance assessment.

This research contributes to further the knowledge on the Survey on Portuguese Regional Architecture, shedding the light on its innovation as a national-wide significance assessment, and on its influence over other actors at local, regional and international levels, concerning cultural significance, by comparing research and practices and also contributing to bridge the voices and knowledge of the past with future interpretations of significance assessment, scales and strategies.