Lina Bo Bardi and the experience of restoration in Brazil

ABSTRACT

This article aims to present and deepen a historical and critical evaluation of the Lina Bo Bardi’s contribution to the Brazilian and international architectural culture, in particular to the foundations and practice of restoration. The temporal delimitation extends from the 1960s, when the architect designs and executes the restoration of the Solar do Unhão in Salvador, adapting it to the Museum of Modern Art of Bahia, until the 1990s, when she performs her latest works, before the death in 1992. The analysis of some selected works, among the two dozen restoration projects carried out, intends to contribute, first, to identify the internal coherence of its production, as well as to ponder the transformations that have occurred over time. It is also intended to explore the dialogue that Lina Bo Bardi establishes between the Italian environment, the theories of restoration and Brazilian practice. Finally, it is intended that the proposed analysis contributes to a timely review of the historiography of modern architecture in São Paulo and Brazil, as well as collaborate in the construction of the history of the preservation of cultural heritage in the country.

KEYWORDS:
Restoration; Modern architecture; Lina Bo Bardi; Cultural heritage; Architectural restoration; Brazil