Supporting urban regeneration and building refurbishment. Strategies for building appraisal and inspection of old building stock in city centres

Abstract

The University of Coimbra was granted World Heritage Status by UNESCO at the 37th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in June 2013. Situated on a hill, overlooking the city, the University of Coimbra-Alta and Sofia grew and evolved over more than seven centuries into the urban area within the old city centre of Coimbra. Therefore, this acknowledgement is indissociable to the old city centre and to its authenticity as well as its integrity overtime. Urban regeneration and refurbishment of old building stock of the city centre of Coimbra is in this case a complex challenge and responsibility, necessarily requiring a master plan strategy for maintaining and improving the building stock to its functional levels, safeguarding its outstanding patrimonial value, resourcing to a correct appraisal and inspection tools. The master plan for the urban regeneration of the old city centre of Coimbra is exposed and discussed in this paper, going into detail in respect to diagnosis and appraisal strategy and inspection datasheets with concrete examples. Results from such strategy bring forward a clear image of the conservation state and authenticity issues for the whole old city centre. Inspection and appraisal actions proceeds building pathology reports define retrofitting and conservation activities and aid estimate rehabilitation costs. This case study has been a benchmark for other urban renewal processes.