Valhallabadet....

1956 by Nils Olsson och Gustaf Samuelsson. Photo: Sune Sundhahl

Targeted for demolition ??😡 Europa Nostra and EIB Institute announce Europe’s 7 Most Endangered Heritage Sites for 2025....here.

The Advisory Panel of the 7 Most Endangered Programme emphasised: “The Valhalla Swimming Hall stands for both a significant expression of the 1950s’ pioneering architecture and artistic decoration, and a breakthrough for a new public health responsibility, a symbol of changing attitudes toward public swimming. It is also an example for the rest of Europe in its exquisite design, accessibility and openness. For architectural, cultural, social, economic, and environmental reasons, the Valhalla Swimming Hall should be renovated for the benefit of both present and future generations.”

Buon giorno di San Valentino....

Old....

Cinema São Jorge....

Manuelino....

Portuguese building "conservation"....

..again and again 😞

Shame....

Ultramarine....

Buon San Valentino....

..a tutti !

Lisbon....from city to theater scenery

This is the destination of most buildings built around 1900. The "restoration" process consists mainly in the total destruction of interiors. Against all the international recommendations and agreements for good building conservation, Lisbon has its own short term/no return final solution. 

Villa Moraes....

Valhallabadet....

Göteborg, 1956, by Nils Wedel

Edinburgh....

 ..beautiful city

Slottsskogsvallen, 100 years....

..1923, by Lars Israel Wahlman

Gaiola Pombalina....

Goodbye Kjellbergska Gymnasiet....

1935, by Ragnar Ossian Swensson

In the age of environmental friendliness and sustainability (as standard meaningless blablabla), the local politicians decided to tear down this former school building. Under any circumstances, will we get any new buildings of such quality ! Take a close look at those thick and firm brick walls....what a waste 😡 

The very rare....

..perimeter walls in Sweden. Here at Arkivgatan, Göteborg 

Buon San Valentino....

..a tutti !

Roma, Roma....

The five steps of the Portuguese methodology for the destruction of built heritage....

Palacete at Praça Duque de Saldanha, 1908, by José Luís Monteiro (photo: João Carvalho)

.."abandoned" for some decades

..step 2

..the practice of step 3 at Praça Duque de Saldanha

1 - The absence of maintenance for some decades.

2 - After the last tenant leaves the building, the main door should be closed with an iron chain with a padlock. This may seem like a peculiar measure, but it sends the message that the building is beyond salvation.

3 - The opening of some windows to accelerate the process of decay.

4 - Now is time for the removal of some tiles from the roof in order to accelerate the infiltration of water.

5 - Finally, if steps 1, 3 and 4 are insufficient or slow, there is always the possibility of a “spontaneous combustion”.

   

This methodology has been applied with plenty of success for some decades with the passive cooperation and understanding by the (in)competent Portuguese authorities.

Some photos stolen from MAGG