Weaving the history of São Paulo: textile factories as Cultural Heritage

Abstract

his scientific article presents the research results about six textile factories installed in three different administrative regions of Sao Paulo State between ending of XIX Century and 1920´s. These buildings, devoid of their original function generally since 1980´s, was recognize as cultural heritage by CONDEPHAAT (institution responsible for developing cultural heritage policy in Sao Paulo) after citizens compromised in keeping alive multiples memories related to these buildings require it to list them. Based on criteria developed by Cultural Heritage Department’s technicians, four plants were declared State´s Cultural Heritage. It is important samples which are relevant to understand work relations, industrial architecture, and urban, economic and technology development from the textile sector – the most powerful in the country at that time. Currently, the buildings are being used with other functions, resignifying their presence in landscape and inside collective imaginary, sparking debate on how to integrate old structures into the new needs of contemporary cities.