Challenges in developing a qualitative approach on the perception of tiles decay

Abstract

Among the objectives of the “Old azulejos through new lenses” and “P2I Ceramic” projects, is the aim to understand the perception and information that owners, managers and/or other relevant personalities have about the probable causes of the deterioration of tile panels. That is, how the responsible for the objects perceive the probable causes of the tiles deterioration. On the other hand, they aim to obtain information about the importance that these interlocutors attribute to the tiles under their tutelage or supervision and to the need to adopt preventive conservation and restoration actions to protect them. This instigated the establishment of a dialogue between the sciences that have traditionally studied the deterioration and conservationrestoration of tiles (exact sciences, construction industry, conservation sciences) and the social sciences. The purpose of this work is, from the perspective of the social sciences, to highlight the potential of this interdisciplinary perspective for the study of tile deterioration. In addition to the challenges that arise, the objective is also to highlight the contribution that a qualitative approach to the study can have to the process of construction and innovation of scientific knowledge, considering, in parallel, the contribution to the field of conservation and restoration of tiles heritage.