Shape Grammars as a support instrument for heritage safeguard planning - From a vernacular language to a contemporary materialization

In this project we used the concept of shape grammars as a tool for understanding the vernacular heritage in the Moorish village of Aljezur in the South of Portugal, and subsequently use it to guide the planning rehabilitation and growth of the village. First, we inferred a grammar for describing the existent vernacular heritage, and based on it developed two other grammars suitable for the rehabilitation of pre-existences and the construction of new houses involving features that can harmoniously mingle with the heritage surroundings. This paper supports the use of shape grammars for the development of heritage safeguard strategies in historical urban agglomerates.