Modern Heritage in Aracaju

documentation and memory

Abstract

Regarding to the conservation of Modern Architecture in Aracaju, single-family housing production appears as a recurrent object of study because of its vulnerability to demolitions or adjustments to new uses. In this sense, it is our aim to contribute to this debate by presenting the results of a university extension project that, after four months of work on the theme "modern houses of Aracaju", seeks to demonstrate the cultural value recognized in a set of eight residences located between the districts Centro and São José. Thus, this communication returns to documents and documentation in order to contribute to future actions aimed at the protection and conservation of part of the modern heritage in the city of Aracaju, more specifically related to the single-family residential production of mid of the 20th century.

The inventory of eight modern residences was made by using the Docomomo International registration form (full version) and IPHAN’s methodology (SICG) as reference. The historical research aimed to guide the representation of three phases of the building: as designed (the project design), as built (the built work) and as is (the corrent state). The data survey about the last two phases was done through oral testimonies of the residents (or former residents), period photographs and architectural survey (identification and direct measurements). In addition to the records for inventorying the assets, 3D digital models (SketchUP software) were developed identifying these phases. To detail this documentation processes and results it will be presented one case study: Souza Freire Residence (1956-1958).