Abstract

Plaster (often lime plaster, reinforced with animal hair) installed on wood lath secured to wood framing was a common ceiling system for hundreds of years in the Americas, and for thousands of years in Europe. Despite having a relatively good record of stability, some ceilings of this type have collapsed. Given their overhead position, often above large groups of people, when cracks or localized areas of displacement or damage occur in these ceilings, the question often arises as to whether the ceiling is stable and safe. Because procedures for stability assessment of historic plaster ceilings on wood lath are not well quantified in building codes or technical literature, this article proposes key considerations and best practices for assessing these ceilings.

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to report on the history and conservation interventions of the historic architectural complex of Manguinhos, in Rio de Janeiro, one of the most significant and symbolic architectural ensembles in Brazil. It is the headquarters of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation – Fiocruz, under the supervision of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, the most prominent institution of science and technology on health in Latin America. It was protected by the National Historic and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN) in 1980. The construction of the complex started in 1904 on the initiative of the renowned Brazilian scientist Oswaldo Cruz and was designed by the Portuguese architect Luiz Moraes Júnior. The main monument of the architectural complex, the Moorish Pavilion, received varied influences of styles and the décor is a reference to Alhambra. An architectural reading of the complex of Manguinhos will be made, examining the architectural language adopted on the historical buildings in particular the Moorish Pavilion; the material and building systems used in its construction; its meaning for the city and the heritage designation process, the surrounding environment in various periods, and the physical, functional and visual relationship with the city. Regarding the restoration works method, the following will be examined: causes of deterioration; diagnosis and state of conservation; interventions performed over the years; and the project and methodology and the latest intervention works. The conclusion, will analyze the interventions undertaken in the light of modern principles of cultural heritage preservation, the importance of the restoration works of the complex of Manguinhos, and its use as a public cultural and scientific space for the city.