The integration of azulejos in the modern architecture of Portugal as a unique case in Europe

Abstract

With the increasing international appreciation of Portuguese azulejos, spurred not only by the acknowledgement of their integration in Baroque architecture as a unique heritage, but also by the continued use of painted tiles that spans to this day, azulejos have been a subject of interest and research. The technology of manufacture, the forms of decay and the materials and techniques for restoration have been studied for pre-20th century azulejos. However, such studies did not encompass modern azulejos, manufactured after the second world war, which must be understood and conserved now, so that they will be available for future appreciation. Understanding the relevance of modernist azulejos in Portugal as cultural heritage and the raison d’être of their integration, not only in Portuguese, but also in Brazilian architecture is important to discuss their preservation. The aim of this paper is to discuss and attempt to assign values to modern azulejos in Portugal as an unique regional trend in the modern movement in Europe.