Thoughts on education action in listed architecture sets: Ouro Preto

Abstract

This paper presents part of the considerations raised by the author while developing her Master dissertation on the Professional Masters Degree in Cultural Heritage Conservation at Preservação do Patrimônio Cultural
do Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artísitico Nacional (Iphan), whose study focused on her concerns and observations as a historian, working as an educator at the Technical Office of Iphan in Ouro Preto. This town has become a locus where meaning abounds and the image of the “colonial town” is entrenched. The choice of using only part of the town reflects an incomplete image, hindering locals to experience recognition and belonging, as they perceive a portion of their town being treated as a historical monument, while another portion remains forgotten, unknown. Information raised on actions developed in the 1980s in Ouro Preto reflect the actions currently implemented by Casa do Patrimônio of Ouro Preto and will be the main
focus of the questions and thoughts brought about in this research. It is believed here that towns can be experienced as cultural goods when attentions are turned to the social and affective relations created around such places.