Digital documentation of modern heritage: Álvaro Siza's Borges & Irmão Bank in Vila do Conde (1978¬1986)

Tiago Trindade Cruz; Teresa Cunha Ferreira; Joaquim Lopes Teixeira

doi:10.14568/cp36453

Authors

Tiago Trindade Cruz Faculdade de Arquitectura, Universidade do Porto, Via Panorâmica, s/n 4150-564 Porto Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8792-5142
Teresa Cunha Ferreira Faculdade de Arquitectura, Universidade do Porto, Via Panorâmica, s/n 4150-564 Porto Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4325-4775
Joaquim Lopes Teixeira Faculdade de Arquitectura, Universidade do Porto, Via Panorâmica, s/n 4150-564 Porto Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9644-3345

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14568/cp36453

Keywords:

Álvaro Siza, Borges & Irmão Bank, Digital documentation, Tectonic perspective, Modern heritage

Abstract

The digital revolution significantly impacts cultural heritage safeguarding offering advanced documentation and communication techniques. Modern heritage provides valuable research insights for its rich documentary, physical, and oral resources. This article focuses on digitally documenting Álvaro Siza's Borges & Irmão Bank in Vila do Conde (1978-1986), listed on the World Heritage (WH) Tentative List since 2017. Despite Siza's global recognition, the complex design process and construction features of this building are still scarcely disseminated. Hence, this article aims to deepen knowledge and disclosure of this relevant case-study. Research supports documenting its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and tectonic consistency for future preservation. The methodology, framed within the SizaATLAS (FCT) research project, employs combined techniques to document 18 buildings in the WH Tentative List, including: i) archival and bibliographic research; ii) fieldwork; iii) photogrammetry; iv) 360 º virtual tours; and v) 3D didactic models. This framework enhances understanding and dissemination of Álvaro Siza’s work while providing relevant documentation for future management.

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