The Sustainability of Earthen Construction

Case study in Parque de Xangô

Abstract

This article focuses on the Pedra de Xangô Park in Salvador, Bahia, a recently built cultural and religious landmark using earth techniques to preserve Afro-Brazilian cultural traditions and aims to analyze the application of taipa de pilão in this park, assessing its compliance with current technical standards. The methodologies include a literature review, a case study, an analysis of the executive project, and interviews with the professionals involved. In addition, the research investigates the absence of specific standards at the time of the park's construction, highlighting the importance of considering technical standards for preserving and evaluating traditional construction. The technical analysis is conducted under the guidance of the ABNT NBR 17014:2022 standard, focusing on the requirements, procedures, and control associated with taipa de pilão. This study contributes to the understanding of the technique and the sustainability of its use, highlighting the benefits and challenges in contemporary times and confirming that certain parameters, such as the location of electrical installations and the dimensions of rammed earth masonry, follow the technical standard; non-conformities were also highlighted in the results.