O Antes, o agora e o depois : projeto de intervenção do conjunto da antiga intendência de Maceió

Abstract

The subject of this dissertation is the former Municipal Intendencia - ‘Palácio da Águia’, located around Praça Marechal Floriano Peixoto, in the Centro neighbourhood of the city of Maceió - Alagoas. The area where the object of study is located was developed at the beginning of the 20th century, during the republican period when Maceió was elevated to the status of capital. The building, designed by the Italian architect Luigi Lucarini, in an eclectic style and neo-Gothic appearance, was built to represent municipal power. The construction of this example of architecture is linked to the city's growth in population, the economic, political and social development of the city influenced by the new cultural trends that emerged in Europe, associated with the development of industry and the availability of new building materials, new aesthetic values and, above all, the hygiene measures in force in the first quarter of the 20th century, which sought the health of cities and the well-being of citizens. Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the building was put to various uses and currently, after the Municipal Secretariat of Social Assistance vacated the building in 2017, it has been the target of successive acts of vandalism. However, despite the depredations, the complex is still intact in terms of its volume and retains significant decorative elements that make it possible to identify the building's attributes. As it forms part of the surroundings and architectural ensemble of Praça Marechal Floriano Peixoto, the building is part of the state's listed area, along with the Martirios church and other eclectic buildings. After understanding the building as a heritage asset and anchored in the principles of sustainability and valorisation of the asset, intervention actions were proposed for the former Intendencia complex, respecting its architectural attributes and characteristics, but understanding the new dynamics of the square and the needs of the community. Thus, the new proposal for the building will be to house the Municipal Foundation for Cultural Action, whose purpose is to expand, manage and publicise cultural activities in the municipality.