Rigour, methodology and use, success in heritage conservation: The tower of the St. Mary Magdalene`s church

Abstract

[EN] The church of Santa María Magdalena of Matapozuelos (Valladolid) from the sixteenth century, made of Mudejar masonry brickwork combines late Gothic with Renaissance elements, is a Cultural Interest Asset. Its prominent tower is the object of this project. It was proposed the tower is restored to its original monumental value and condition, giving it a new life. The most significant change has been the installation of a fixed staircase extending the existing one to access the bell tower and upper levels, allowing controlled access for visitors and creating a more open and bright interior space, giving it a more functional sense, without losing the permeability of the bell tower. The research begins with the previous studies: historical, archaeological, petrological, photogrammetric and architectural, justifying the action theoretically. This led to the use of traditional methods and materials from the surrounding area in order to preserve the vernacular heritage: the tejar brickwork, the wood in the floorboards and woodwork (specifically elm wood), the vault cladding and the lime rendering of the walls, are highlighted. The problems were identified by classifying them according to their degree of complexity and a project diagnosis was made that served to take the necessary measures for their restoration. Three levels of intervention are established according to their volume of affection, three action groups are proposed according to the nature of the objective to fulfil, and three actions are qualified according to the contribution to the building to be preserved: repair, replacement or addition. This time of methodological study makes us achieve an exhaustive knowledge and a sensory closeness to the building, which makes us "feel it inside": History in architecture is important when it becomes blood. (Ignazio Gardella. Verona 1991. Conference: "My first 90 years in Architecture").