An anthropological point of view about built civil heritage in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Abstract

has been corroborating the decharacterization or the complete disappearance of the built heritage in many parts of the world. This article emphasizes this fact with the case study of the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, where several buildings of historical and cultural importance have given rise to concrete lands with a parking function, mainly around the central area. It is argued that there is no absolute concept of architectural relevance, so every choice is always relative to the preservation of the various examples of Brazilian architecture. In order to deconstruct such an essentialist view that privileges the chronological aspect to the detriment of the characteristics of the buildings, here are exposed some anthropological perspectives that emphasize the functional and identitary character of the constructions, from a critical review of the existing literature. Finally, solutions are suggested that could solve the rapid dilapidation of buildings in this city, rather than the urban ambience of the architectural complex of the central area of Belo Horizonte be destroyed, remaining only those already registered, as fragmented remnants of a history.