Stays 2019: Mudejar plaster, its current use: searching the memory of craftsmen for the keys to traditional manufacture

The research stay El plaster mudéjar, su uso actual has been the continuation of Pedro Bel’s doctoral thesis in which he has been able to confirm that the manufacturing technique of Mudéjar plaster did not change until the middle of the 20th century. This research delves into the traditional plaster manufacturing process to gain an in-depth knowledge of it and to detect the catalysts and motivations that favoured the changes to the current plaster production system, which increases the quantity and decreases the quality. This project has located the old plaster craftsmen and has documented the technique and its current variables. To this end, quarries and old plaster kilns have also been visited, documenting their state and making a 3D photogrammetric survey of those of special interest; the buildings in the territory with Mudejar plaster in characteristic elements have been identified with files. The ultimate objective of the conclusions is to revitalise the work spaces linked to the construction trades by reactivating them through a local company dedicated to the manufacture of traditional or Mudejar plaster.

The research has been carried out in the towns of Aniñón, Borja, Calatayud, Daroca, Fuentes de Ebro, La Almunia de Doña Godina, Longares, Maluenda, Quinto de Ebro, Ricla, San Mateo de Gállego, Tauste, Terrer, Tobed, Villamayor, Villafeliche and Villar de los Navarros.

The study shows that until 1950, gypsum production processes were traditional and that after this date there was a continuous technological development of the quarries. Those which were not updated quickly became obsolete and went bankrupt, so that it is common to find undismantled baked gypsum kilns or warehouses with gypsum stored in the old Aragonese quarries. The semi-industrialisation that took place in the 1950s altered the traditional gypsum and the most influential variation was the replacement of manual crushing by mechanical crushing.

In terms of external factors, the high demography, which was linked to a favourable social and economic environment, led to a high demand for materials and therefore accelerated pre-industrialisation.

LINE OF RESEARCH. (1) New perspectives on Mudejar art.

THE AUTHOR. Pedro Bel Anzué is an architect and holds a PhD in Architectural Heritage Restoration from the University of Granada.

Stays 2019: Mudejar civil architecture, study of new uses with an impact on the territory

The project Mudejar civil architecture, study of new uses  is a multidisciplinary initiative in which a process of data collection has been developed with two main objectives. On the one hand, to obtain current and technologically advanced material on the civil architecture of the Mudejar Territory that preserves Mudejar elements. On the other hand, to propose phase 0 of a monumental management project that will allow these buildings to be put to use, thus contributing to their sustainability, their social function and their incorporation into the life of the villages.

This research is part of one of Territorio Mudéjar’s lines of action, which is to design new uses for heritage spaces: technical visits, teaching specific subjects, internship grants or other types of local activities.

The research is an analytical study, based on the management of Mudejar heritage, in order to establish a real action plan that will become a driving force for the cultural development of the population and an integrating element. To this end, the starting point of the study has been the original state of the cultural assets themselves, their subsequent development and action plans have been drawn up for each of the cases analysed. Specifically, the heritage of Daroca, Ateca, Illueca, Borja and Saviñán has been studied.

During the study, a methodology has been used to recreate monuments in 3D through photogrammetry: images have been taken with cameras and volumetric recordings using drones. Furthermore, the proposed action plans have been designed following the business model using Osterwalder’s Canvas model to develop the idea and Porter’s forces model for the competitive strategy.

In addition, the objectives of the European project “Heritage Houses for Europe. Exchange and Innovate” project based on measuring the positive impact of the preservation of family-owned heritage houses in Europe, analysing innovative and replicable business models, creating tools to support managers for the sustainable preservation of family-owned heritage houses, raising awareness of the family-owned heritage house sector and issuing recommendations to EU institutions to unlock the potential of the sectors.

LINE OF RESEARCH: (3) Cultural Heritage Management.

THE AUTHORS:

  • Ricardo Monreal Lafuente, art historian.
  • Alba Finol, art historian.
  • Daniel Finol, computer technician.

Stays 2019: Vernacular architecture in Mudejar villages: traditional techniques as a trade of the future in the rural world

The project Arquitectura tradicional vernácula, la técnica tradicional de construcción como oficio de futuro en el ámbito rural explains that monumental Mudejar architecture shares materials and techniques with the vernacular architecture of the villages. However, throughout the 20th century, industrial development has led to a strong process of transformation and destruction of vernacular buildings and the progressive abandonment of traditional construction systems. Faced with this situation, the importance of knowledge and appreciation of local traditional architecture and its materials has been raised in order to guarantee its protection by means of an inventory and general diagnosis of materials, techniques, architecture and current use.

This research project proposes that the understanding of local traditional architecture by users avoids its replacement by new buildings and favours the development of activities aimed at its conservation. Furthermore, the projection of this architecture outside the municipality reinforces its appreciation by the local population and favours the economic revitalisation of the villages, allowing them to offer cultural experiences of longer duration than a simple visit to their most outstanding monuments.

The work aims to contribute to the valuation of traditional architecture in the area of influence of Aragonese Mudejar art, promoting the perception of indigenous construction techniques as solvent and sustainable systems, and of the buildings constructed with them as a valuable cultural heritage that must be preserved and protected; to disseminate and enhance the work of the construction craftsmen present in the area, in order to facilitate the survival of the trades and encourage the use of traditional construction techniques in interventions on vernacular heritage; and to promote the conservation, restoration and compatible rehabilitation of the traditional architecture of the area and encourage the development of sustainable and culturally respectful tourism.

To this end, we have worked to identify and study the main construction techniques present in the traditional architecture of the Mudejar villages in the south of Zaragoza, to locate the construction craftsmen present in the area and document their work, to identify and study the dynamics of intervention in traditional architecture caused by tourism, and to draw up guidelines for the compatible intervention of traditional architecture in the area of influence of the Aragonese Mudejar.

The research has been carried out in Aniñón, Ateca, Belmonte de Gracián, Cervera de la Cañada, Cosuenda, Daroca, Longares, Maluenda, Romanos, Saviñán, Terrer, Tobed, Torralba de Ribota and Villafeliche.

LÍNEA DE INVESTIGACIÓN: (1) Nuevas Miradas sobre el arte Mudéjar.

THE AUTHOR: Javier Gómez Patrocinio is an architect with a Master’s degree in Architectural Heritage Conservation and a PhD in Building, Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture from the Polytechnic University of Valencia.

More info:
www.estancias2020mudetrad.territoriomudejar.es/

Countdown to the second call for research stays in Territorio Mudéjar

If you have an idea and a Mudéjar Territory place where to develop it, we are already offering you a preview of the 2nd call for the Gonzalo M. Borrás Gualis Research Stays and Projects 2020, which will open its deadline for applications on the 10th. In the meantime, we have prepared a summary of the key aspects we are looking for in the proposals and a major update of the contents of our website, with a summary of the results of the 2019 call in the projects section, as well as an overview of the localities that make up our entity.

If you need guidance on what kind of proposals you can put forward, from today, our 2019 resident researchers will be explaining their proposals and results through our Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channels.

In addition, an explanatory video is available from the director of Territorio Mudéjar, Victoria Trasobares, on the characteristics of these grants, the requirements and the five lines of research: New perspectives on Mudejar art; Mudejar Territory and cultural landscape; Management of cultural heritage; Communication and dissemination of Mudejar heritage, and Mudejar heritage and its social function as a key element of territorial development. At the end of May we will also open live forums for the resolution of doubts.

Soon we will tell you the details of the call and we will inform you about all the news. We hope you will participate and we will see you at Territorio Mudéjar!

You can find us at

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNlRwwS3qWi6qmHcEa6UQxQ?view_as=subscriber

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/proyectoterritoriomudejar/

INSTAGRAM: @territoriomudejar

LINKEDIN:@territoriomudejar (company profile)

April 18. Day for Monuments and Sites: Shared Heritage

Territorio Mudéjar joins the celebration of the International Day for Monuments and Sites this April 18 by taking part in the ICOMOS Spain initiative to find examples of shared heritage that you can enjoy from home. This year, ICOMOS has chosen the theme, “Shared Cultures, Shared Heritage, Shared Responsibility” as an expression of our global unity in light of the present world health situation.

This message shows that heritage is part of our cultural identity at a time in which evolving populations, conflicts and environmental uncertainty lead to constant, swift changes. The theme acknowledges that heritage – be it a place, landscape, custom or collection – is often linked to and appreciated by several diverse groups and communities, and Territorio Mudéjar shares this message in its mission and values. In sum, this means being collectively responsible for looking after and protecting heritage values.

Territorio Mudéjar invites you to enjoy its heritage with this video:

https://www.facebook.com/proyectoterritoriomudejar/videos/685295782236850/

More info: https://icomos.es/dia-internacional-de-los-monumentos-y-sitios-2020/

Territorio Mudéjar, main feature of the UNESCO “World Heritage” magazine

Our towns are featured in an extensive article in the first issue of this landmark magazine

The towns and heritage of Territorio Mudéjar are featured in the first issue of “World Heritage” magazine, published by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. This landmark magazine has devoted two pages to Mudejar art in the province of Zaragoza, outlining the key points that make Mudejar a unique, avant-garde style in which we can read the history of Aragon.

The article, which is available in Spanish, English and French, explains how the Mudejar art of Aragon, the architecture of which was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 2001 due to its “universality, uniqueness and authenticity”, tells the story of our region and reveals an extraordinary rural setting that contrasts with the more ethnographic image commonly associated with villages. It is cultured, refined architecture that, nonetheless, remains close to everyday life and shows us a region that exudes intellectualism and beauty.

Here is the link for you to read the article:

Territorio Mudéjar presents its model at the MOMAr Interreg Europe meeting in Corsica

At this event, we exchanged good practices in managing sustainable rural heritage with a focus on people

Territorio Mudéjar traveled to the French island of Corsica to take part in a meeting of the MOMAr Interreg Europe project*, an initiative led by the Provincial Government of Zaragoza for the purpose of designing new rural heritage management models that foster sustainable development and adapt to the specific features of each region.

There, we exchanged good practices on a highly interesting topic: “Without people, there are no resources: local management exchanges observing efficiency, sustainability and demographic fragility”. This idea is in Territorio Mudéjar’s genes, since we work as a network around heritage resources in the Mudejar field, always closely linked to the towns and their inhabitants. We are convinced that heritage is alive and evolving because it is part of a context that is lived in, urban, and in the midst of people.

Some of the inspirational examples of heritage management that we learned about include the Route of the Romanesque in Germany, the monumental churches and farms in Groningen (the Netherlands), the efforts to preserve traditional Romanian embroidery on blouses in Mehedinti county and, of course, two projects from Aragon: the sustainable networked management of Territorio Mudéjar and promotion of the ancient village of Belchite (Provincial Government of Zaragoza).

Territorio Mudéjar discussed the management of cultural heritage as a possible strategy for the future. We believe that places in which historical, cultural and natural heritage resources are managed in a conscientious and intelligent manner are resilient, distinctive and identity-based. Places for investment, development and future.

Our efforts are based on these foundations, and this is how we have explained it at the meeting, in addition to discussing how our unified, collaborative network for heritage management works, and talking about all aspects of the Mudejar (architecture, urban design, landscape, popular culture and more) and about the projects we are implementing.

Together, we strive to design new strategies for rural heritage management that foster sustainable development and adapt to the unique identity of each region.

Our hosts gave us a first-hand view of how they work at the Corsican Movable Heritage Conservation and Restoration Center (CCRPMC) located at Fort Charlet in the town of #Calvi, which is in charge of safeguarding the knowledge, preservation and promotion of this heritage. There, we discovered their resources and magnificent artistic and religious heritage.

We also traveled to the city of Corte to learn about the project for the transformation of its citadel, built in the 15th century, and its watchtower, which presides over the entire city. In addition, we also visited the temporary exhibitions at the Museum of Corsica.

*MOMAr is the acronym for the project name: Models of Management for Singular Rural Heritage.

More information: https://www.interregeurope.eu/momar/

Rural schools and heritage, a forward-looking partnership

Territorio Mudéjar is participating in the first workshops on rural schools, organized by the Centro de Profesorado (Center for Teachers) in Calatayud.

Rural schools in Aragon have always been a laboratory for rural innovation. Some of the most avant-garde educational initiatives have arisen there, later expanding to other schools in Aragon and even being duplicated across the country. One of the reasons for the success of these rural school projects is that they use the land as a reference for learning, making the environment a necessary element of the curriculum in order to educate with a sense of roots. At Territorio Mudéjar we share and promote these same distinguishing features, so we could not miss the “Escuela rural en clave de futuro” (Rural schools in terms of the future) workshops organized by the Center for Teachers in Calatayud.

We were there today, not only to accompany the teachers and schools from our Territorio Mudéjar (schools in the districts of Aranda, Campo de Daroca and Comunidad de Calatayud), but we also had the opportunity to discuss with some of them how we believe that heritage and education form a perfect partnership for innovation.

At Territorio Mudéjar we are working on several projects related to education: “Escuela rural como inicio del círculo” (Rural schools as the start of a circle) and research and development on educational materials. On the one hand, we aim to introduce ways of working with heritage into rural school curricula and, on the other, we intend to provide materials and resources to schools to help students learn to appreciate the natural and cultural heritage in their towns and to enable them to generate proposals for economic and demographic growth in order to counteract depopulation trends.

More info: http://profesoradocalatayud.catedu.es/escuela-rural-en-clave-de-futuro/

Territorio Mudéjar participates in the first meeting of the European MOMAr project

The aim of this project, which involves regions from five other countries and which will continue until January 2023, is to design new models for managing unique rural heritage.

In conjunction with other entities devoted to heritage management and rural development, Territorio Mudéjar took part in the first meeting with local agents from the province of Zaragoza in the European Interreg MOMAr project –Models of Management for Singular Rural Heritage-, an initiative led by the Provincial Government of Zaragoza for the purpose of designing new rural heritage management models that foster sustainable development and adapt to the specific features of each region.

The MOMAr project has a budget of EUR 1.2 million, and involves five other regional governments from five different European countries. It was approved last year, began in September with an initial meeting in Zaragoza of the six participating administrations, and will continue until January 2023.

The ultimate goal is to create a working document that outlines an action plan for the province of Zaragoza entailing all the stakeholders involved in heritage management and dissemination.

More information: https://www.interregeurope.eu/momar/

Video: https://www.facebook.com/315247192523931/videos/577438746140624/

FITUR 2020: Territorio Mudéjar as a role model of sustainable tourism and cultural heritage

Territorio Mudéjar is presenting at the leading international tourism trade fair a model for access to heritage that poses an opportunity to uphold local communities

Territorio Mudéjar is present at FITUR 2020, the leading tourism trade fair, which has become an excellent showcase for spotlighting the potential of our towns and heritage, as well as our proposal for smart, ‘green’ tourism strongly linked to the towns and their inhabitants.

At Territorio Mudéjar we strive to develop Mudejar heritage management practices that foster responsible, sustainable tourism designed by those in the places where the heritage is located, always in conjunction with their inhabitants.

We believe that heritage is a driving force for the development and identity of our towns. And we consider preservation, research and dissemination of the Mudejar identity to be key factors in the creation of tourism activities, which must always be designed from within the region and in conjunction with its inhabitants.

Therefore, we have aligned our work with the goals of Agenda 2030 and with the SDGs, as our guiding principles.

In this sense, as we shall explain at FITUR:

  • We promote the management of local eco-systems, extraction and use of nearby materials, native trades and craftsmanship that reduce energy consumption, and investments, all of which aid in the creation of sustainable means of subsistence and encourage green economies.
  • We believe that knowledge is key: accessibility to heritage as a starting point. We contribute our perspective in the construction of quality education at all levels that promotes learning opportunities which we believe to be crucial in the promotion of economic growth and high quality work.
  • We work with heritage space as a concentrator for rural innovation: new uses, workplace innovation, gender equality, inter-generational experiences and, in sum, working to reduce the inequality that arises, in our case, from working with world renowned heritage in a rural setting.

We firmly believe that places in which heritage resources – historical, cultural and natural – are managed in a conscientious and intelligent manner are resilient, distinct and identity-based places. They are places for investment, development and future.

To better spotlight our region, we will also be presenting a video at FITUR 2020, which you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiCaStafQfA