Analysis of historical and landscaping evolution of Expedicionarios Square at São João del Rei - MG, Brazil

Abstract

This square is typical of cities that had their construction starting in the 18th and 19th century and are located along the former Royal Road. The city of São João Del Rei emerged in this region, more specifically in the Old Route of the Royal Road from the gold exploration in the 18th century and it was characterized by the presence of baroque mixed to contemporary and by the diversity of museums and churches that can take the visitor on a journey into the past. This study aimed at historical and landscape recovery of Expedicionarios Square, next to São Gonçalo Garcia Church and the school Maria Teresa, that once was Intendencia House and Gold Foundry. The methodology consisted of inventive analysis associate to the subjective analysis and rules for preservation of gardens as an historical patrimony. The area evolution's study was based on the analysis of morphological changes that occurred during the city development. Based on the information collected a contextualization of the modification processes of the square over time was made. Modifications include square's names that have been changed over time. First called Intendencia Square (1840), then College Square (1859), Republic Square (1898), Andradas Square (1928) and Expedicionarios Square (1960). The square drawing has features of the eclectic style, with walks in Portuguese stonework and flowerbeds with geometric paths, typical of urbanization of the late 19th and early 20th century. The plants used were some ornamental bushes that do not have a logical planning for planting.