university of coimbra – alta and sofia ...university of coimbra – alta and sofia management plan...

UNIVERSITY OF COIMBRA – ALTA AND SOFIA

MANAGEMENT PLAN MONITORING AND PROPERTY SUPERVISION

ANNUAL REPORT - 2012

May 2013

Universidade de Coimbra – Alta e Sofia

PREAMBLE

This is the first Property Management Report “University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia” elaborated

by the Association RUAS (“Recriar Universidade Alta e Sofia” – Recreate University Uptown and

Sofia), formally constituted on December 2011 and whose main mission is the management and

the supervision of the PROPERTY.

The University of Coimbra (UC), the Municipality of Coimbra (CMC), the Central Region

Directorate for Culture (DRCC) and the Society for the Urban Rehabilitation – Coimbra Viva (SRU)

area the founding members of the Association whose strategy is to coordinate the action of all

the involved entities, and assuring that none of them loses its legal or specific competences.

This model is an innovative one that we believe will achieve great success and may be used as an

example in the management of other similar Properties.

The mission of the Association RUAS has three main axes: (i) safeguard; (ii) management and

supervision and (iii) promotion and enhancement of the PROPERTY. In order to provide a more

adequate answer to each of these axes three technical offices were created. From these, GTAP

(Technical Office for Monitoring Plan) has the specific responsibility of managing and supervising

the PROPERTY and of elaborate the 2012 report that is now presented.

2012 is a year of the utmost importance for the PROPERTY “University of Coimbra – Alta and

Sofia” because:

• 2012 is the first operating year of the Association RUAS;

• 2012 is the year of a profound evaluation of the nomination by ICOMOS, since the final

dossier was delivered on January 2012, and in September took place the visit of the

international expert.

Nevertheless, and since this is the first report of the new management model, it comprises a lot of

information of the activity from the previous years (particularly 2010 and 2011), judiciously

selected, and considered to be relevant for the history of the process and for the understanding

of the management dynamics.

In the course of the report it becomes clear that all the entities are completely defined as are the

responsibilities and the indicators of the Property Management. This results from the

combination between what is defined in the nomination dossier, the operational decisions of the

Association RUAS and its own structure and performance strategy. However, and considering

what usually happens in the early stages, the report model and the way reality is analyzed and the

future forecasted are still undergoing reflection and improvement, hoping that the coming

reports may be deeper and better structured as a result of a joint work between the several

entities and the improvement effort for continuous improvement and approach to the most

recent international guidelines on this matter, particularly those published by ICOMOS.

University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia

Management Plan – Annual Report 2012 ii

The monitoring and supervision of the PROPERTY are made on a permanent basis and are

coordinated by the Association RUAS.

In this context an annual and global report will be produced as well as simplified quarterly

reports, emphasizing, the latter, the register of the actions and the relevant information for the

construction of the indicators.

On the date of the final composition of the 2012 annual report – on April/May 2013 – the

ICOMOS opinion concerning the assessment of the PROPERTY was published, containing the

several recommendations in the fields of protection and management.

Therefore, before closing the report, it became pertinent to underline that it is a relevant

contribution to show the activities of 2012, here described and clearly answer to many of ICOMOS

as well as our own concerns.

Until the present data, already in 2013, and therefore outside the scope of this report, other

actions allowed and answer to all those concerns.

It is also our expectation that this report may be a relevant document to be used as a starting

point to the debate and reflection of the whole community and, particularly, the Consultative

Forum that includes more than twenty institutions and operates under the aegis of RUAS General

Assembly.

This report gathers information from several institutions, involving in this process their services,

their technical staff and officers. At the same time, some data presented are the result of the

work of external companies and experts on the various subject areas, reflected in reports also

very diverse in nature. To everyone – individuals, institutions and companies – is due to greater

recognition and appreciation.


Management Plan – Annual Report 2012 iii

Management Plan Monitoring and Property Supervision Annual Report - 2012

Fact Sheet:

Responsible for the Report

Technical office for Plan Supervision of Association RUAS

(Recriar Universidade Alta e Sofia)

<www.uc.pt/ruas>

Authors

J. Raimundo Mendes da Silva* (UC)

Sidónio Simões (CMC)

Afonso Mira (DRCC)

Mário Carvalhal (UC)

António Magalhães Cardoso (CCDRC)

Technical support and editorial coordination

Cátia Marques

*Coordination

UC: University of Coimbra

CMC: Municipality of Coimbra

DRCC: Central Region Directorate for Culture

CCDRC: Central Region Development and Coordination Commission


Management Plan – Annual Report 2012 v

CONTENTS

1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Framework ............................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Supervision and Monitoring within the context of the Nomination «University of Coimbra –

Alta and Sofia» ............................................................................................................................... 1

1.3 Resources ................................................................................................................................. 3

1.4 Structure of the Document ...................................................................................................... 4

2 Works Carried out and Undergoing ............................................................................................... 5

2.1 Contextualization ..................................................................................................................... 5

2.2 Available Financial Resources .................................................................................................. 5

2.3 Interventions Promoted by the University of Coimbra ............................................................ 6

2.4 Interventions promoted by the Municipality of Coimbra ........................................................ 8

2.5 Other interventions .................................................................................................................. 9

2.6 Final remarks .......................................................................................................................... 10

3 Projects carried out or undergoing .............................................................................................. 11

3.1 Projects Promoted by the University of Coimbra .................................................................. 11

3.2 Projects Promoted by the Municipality of Coimbra ............................................................... 12

3.3 Other projects ........................................................................................................................ 13

4 Plano genérico para 2013 ............................................................................................................. 14

5 Management Actions and Events ................................................................................................ 15

5.1 Implementation of the Managing Structure .......................................................................... 15

5.2 Legislation and Complementary Evolution ............................................................................ 16

5.3 Developed Activities ............................................................................................................... 19

5.4 Final remark............................................................................................................................ 20

6 Actions and events of Information and dissemination ............................................................... 21

7 Indicators of Management and Monitoring of the Property ...................................................... 23

8 Impact of the Property Evolution over its Attributes .................................................................. 24

9 Final Remarks ................................................................................................................................ 26


Management Plan – Annual Report 2012 1

1 Introduction

1.1 Framework

This report has the purpose of assessing the evolution of the Property management actions within

its several scopes and levels. This report, concerning the year 2012, was produced by the

Technical Office for Monitoring Plan of the Association RUAS (GTAP), whose competences are the

supervision, control and implementation of the Management Plan. From this date on, annual and

quarterly reports will be produced.

Since this is the first report, and the planning and management actions date from the previous

years, it was broadly defined the period from 2010 to 2012, as the indicator to assess the

evolution of the Property Management Plan. For the same reason, the report presents an

evolutionary perspective of the measures and actions, and, in particular, of the tools and available

resources, in its initial stage of implementation. It is also fundamental that it may be a reflection

on the measures to keep, to improve or to create as to prosecute the general intervention

policies.

The Property Management Plan is part of the Nomination process and it is one of the documents

included in the Nomination to World Heritage Dossier that was presented to UNESCO in the

beginning of the year 2012. It is, obviously, the background document for the elaboration of the

present report.

In addition to this, we should also refer the following documents: “Technical Guidelines for the

Enforcement of the Convention of World Heritage” (World Heritage Center, 2011), the «Guidance

on Heritage Impact Assessments for Cultural World Heritage Properties» (ICOMOS, 2010) and the

«Monitoring World Heritage» (ICOMOS, 2002).

1.2 Supervision and Monitoring within the context of the Nomination «University of Coimbra –

Alta and Sofia»

The Nominated areas to World Heritage and their Protection Zone are the use object of the

Management Plan. These areas, of great extension, are inserted in a consolidated urban center of

complex and diverse characteristics, and require a close managing relationship of all the

institutions that have some responsibilities over the territory, including the community that lives

in it or that takes advantage from it.

The Property Management Plan is a fundamental element developed for the process of

Nomination to World Heritage. Its core purpose is to assure the preservation of the components

that provide the Property with its Exceptional Universal value, and its sustainability.



We would start by recalling the principles established in Volume 1 do the Nomination Dossier

(page 226) that are the guidelines for the policies adopted:

• Preserve and rehabilitate the nominated areas, as well as its protection zone;

• Keep alive and reinforce the teaching and research functions of the nominated areas;

• Empower a more permanent living, particularly in the University Uptown;

• Promote a rehabilitated and renewed attitude on how to face and act on the heritage;

• Promote the conservation of the built heritage;

• Defend and safeguard the natural heritage;

• Promote quality tourism;

• Promote and disseminate the cultural identity of the University of Coimbra making all its

by bringing more life to all its experiences.

The mechanisms that allow the supervision of the set of planned actions were established at the

beginning of the process. This supervision will verify the efficacy of the adopted policies, the

deviations and the faced difficulties. These actions constitute the Action Plans, part of the

Management Plan of the Nominated Area. The Management Plans, which are organized in five

groups (I- Planning, II- Research, III – Physical Intervention, IV – Fraternity Houses, V – Events,

formation, promotion and awareness), determine the main steps of the period from 2009 to

2016, identifying the responsible institutions for their prosecution and the financial support

mechanisms.

From the supervision process we would stress the actions related with the “physical

intervention”, for they are the ones with most direct influence on the prevention of the Property.

As far as the supervision of the Property is concerned, four indicators were established, which are

considered fundamental for this evaluation (page 245, volume 1 of the Nomination Dossier).

However, in this starting period, we consider that the specific management experience will

conduct to the consideration of other factors /indicators that should also be assessed in a

perspective of more wideness and rigor of information.

The indicators are assessed from the evolution of the fulfillment of the actions planned in the

Action Plans, of an evaluation of the conservation conditions of the several elements that

constitute the Property. Other recording and evaluation tools are also important and will be

available in a near future, such as a data base of the interventions (SIG – see annex 1) that is being

constructed and that will allow an easier assembling, supervision and analysis of the projects and

the interventions of all the entities involved.



Table 1 – Recording and assessment tools for the indicators

INDICATORS (defined in the Nomination Dossier, Vol.1)

Register and

Assessment Tools

Act

ion

Pla

ns

Sta

te o

f C

on

serv

ati

on

Oth

ers

Evaluation and record-keeping of percentage of completed physical

interventions and adaptations to new uses according to the plan and

schedule presented in the Management Plan

Percentage of buildings that, in each year, have not yet undergone minimal

work of conservation and restoration essential for the expected level of

performance

Evolution of number of visitors in the spaces and buildings exclusively or

chiefly devoted to tourist enjoyment

Evolution of number of buildings in moderate or bad state of conservation in

the protection areas

1.3 Resources

The management of the Property is under the responsibility of Association RUAS (its founding

members are: the University of Coimbra, the Municipality of Coimbra, the Central Region

Directorate for Culture and the Society for Urban Rehabilitation – Coimbra Viva).

There are three technical offices that assure the operation of the Association and the prosecution

of its purposes. The first is the Technical Office for Urban Structuration (GTEU) that is in charge for

technical and statutory analysis of all the urban operations to perform within the nominated

areas and protection zone. The second is the Technical Office for Monitoring Plan (GTAP) that

assures the supervision, control and implementation of the Management Plan and related tasks.

Finally, the third office is the Technical Office of Information, Incentive and Safeguard (GTIVS). It is

responsible for supporting the devisors as far as building solutions and suitable materials for

rehabilitation are concerned, for the dissemination of good practices and the publication of

scientific and technical guidelines.

These three offices are constituted by technicians from the four institutions mentioned above,

from diverse professional areas and by other technicians and personalities of recognized merit,

invited by RUAS.



1.4 Structure of the Document

The report is organized in several chapters. In this first chapter we present a general

contextualization of its elaboration.

Chapter 2 makes a review of the works that were carried out of were in progress by the end of

2012. It is more than a list of the carried out interventions; it marks the state of affairs in regards

the action plan dedicated to the Physical intervention. The interventions are organized in different

tables according to their promoter. The summary cards were elaborated, and presented in annex,

for the works considered of more relevance.

Chapter 3 points out the projects promoted by the entities involved in the Property management,

as far as Physical Intervention is concerned.

Chapter 4 indicates the main planned actions for 2013.

Chapter 5 describes the actions in the field of management that were conducted during 2012. It

includes the implementation process of the managing structure (Association RUAS), the main

tasks developed by it and the evolution of the legal frame, in the same period, with direct

implication in the managed territory.

Chapter 6 presents the list of actions related to the dissemination and communication.

Chapter 7 includes the record of the fixed indicators of the Management Plan, during the period

from its implementation to the end of 2012, in a quantitative assessment of the Property

evolution.

Chapter 8 registers the impact over the attributes that support the Exceptional Universal Value of

the Property, recording the type of evaluation they have – positive, neutral or negative.

The final chapter (chapter 9) presents brief remarks about the work developed within the period

comprised in this report.



2 Works Carried out and Undergoing

2.1 Contextualization

This chapter contains the assessment of the action plans present in the Management Plan, its

evolution and fulfillment. There is no evidence that the deviations in the planned schedule may

compromise the integrity and authenticity of the Property core values. RUAS will survey the

evolution of the situation.

All the interventions described, even though they are not described in the action plans, result

from the main actions identified in them, others are maintenance or preventive/corrective

conservation actions.

In this report, and particularly in this chapter, the assessment of the carried out or undergoing

actions focused on the level of physical intervention. In the following chapters some indications

are presented about the other fields covered by the action plans using a distinct format that was

considered the most appropriate for the matter.

Tables 2 to 5 present the interventions carried out within the evaluation period. In the first

column the general action (on tables 2 and 3, as defined in the Action Plan according to the

Nomination Dossier, vol. 2, pages 246 to 157); in the second column the type of intervention is

specified along with the date in which it took place; the third column establishes the scope of the

intervention (specific, partial or full); the fourth column registers the evolution of the action

fulfillment according to the established in the above mentioned Action Plan (execution deadline,

on time, in advance or delayed); the fifth column registers the global amount of invested money

for each action; the sixth column identifies the existence of a technical card (only for the most

relevant interventions) – Annex 2.

2.2 Available Financial Resources

Despite the difficulties in this domain, some very important financial resources have been

directed for the prosecution of the planned interventions. This fact results from two causes: The

property is alive and is in permanent evolution (which results from the fact of being a university),

and the local and national recognition by the institutions that manage the funds of the

importance and enhancement of the Property.

Even though it is not possible a final quantification of the amount of global investment, it is

estimated that in actions of conservation, rehabilitation and enhancement between 2010 and

2012 (i) 4,365,000 Euros have been invested in interventions promoted by the University of

Coimbra, (ii) 3,785,000 Euros in interventions promoted by the Municipality of Coimbra and (iii)



2,230,000 Euros in interventions promoted by the Central region Directorate for Culture (iv), in a

total amount of 10,380,000 Euros.

The first calculations point to a total investment of 4,900,000 Euros in 2012.

2.3 Interventions Promoted by the University of Coimbra

Table 2 presents the list of the most relevant interventions carried out between 2010 and 2012,

promoted by the University of Coimbra. Some of the planned interventions have not been started

yet, as it is stressed by the supervision indicators registered ahead (chapter 7).

Table 2 – Interventions Promoted by the University of Coimbra

Action (a) Description of the Intervention

Sco

pe

(b)

Co

nd

itio

n(c

)

Value (€) Annex

01 University Courtyard: rehabilitation, conservation and restoration of the buildings

Joanine Library

Remake of the data infrastructure of the

Baroque Library, acquisition of security

bays, rehabilitation of the circulation

areas

(2010)

31,581.07

---

Rehabilitation of the Joanine Library Door

(2012-2013) ---

Rehabilitation of the gable to eliminate

the water seepage on the middle floor

(2013) ---

St. Michael’s Chapel

Rehabilitation of the pavement of the

main chapel of St. Michael Chapel. (2011)

23,426.00

---

Stabilization and rehabilitation of the

coving of St Michael Chapel and

replacement of the lighting system (2012-

2013)

---

Gerais

Rehabilitation of window frames in room

3 (2012)

68,501.28

---

Rehabilitation of the window frames in

the Faculty of Law bar (2013) 2A

Rehabilitation of the Chapel and the

Faculty of Law Hall and set up of the UC

shop (2013) ---

Northern wing

Rehabilitation of the Via Latina porch

(2008) 306,462.93

2A

Improvement of the sanitary facilities of

the Faculty of Law (2010) ---




Sco

pe

(b)

Co

nd

itio

n(c

)

Value (€) Annex

Northern wing (cont.)

Improvement of the lighting efficacy in

the Great Hall and Rectory building

(2012) ---

Rehabilitation and improvement of the

scenic lighting in the Schools Courtyard

(2013) ---

Iron Gate and St. Peter’s

College

Rehabilitation of an office in the Faculty

of Law (2012)

2,980.23

---

Rehabilitation of the brick pavement

(2012) ---

Minerva Staircase and

Courtyard

Rehabilitation of the University Courtyard

and Minerva Staircase (2011-2012) 623,525.53 2A

University Tower Rehabilitation and restoration of the

Tower of the University (2010-2011) 333,000.00 2A

02 Buildings from the “New State” period: rehabilitation, conservation and restoration

Faculty of Letters

Rehabilitation of the balcony of Paulo

Quintela Theatre (2011)

46,811.70

---

Rehabilitation of space for the Centre of

Russian Studies; furniture (2012) ---

Rehabilitation of classrooms for the

History Department (2012) 2A

Roof repair (2013) ---

Departments of Physics

and Chemistry

Intervention in the Rómulo de Carvalho

Library (2012)

1,171,593.86

2A

Rehabilitation to install scientific

platforms (2013 ---

Faculty of Medicine |

Central Unit

Rehabilitation of floor 0 (2011)

245,198.00

---

Rehabilitation of the sanitary facilities on

floor 0 and partial rehabilitation of the

basement (2013) ---

Department of

Mathematics

Stabilization of the stonework shields on

the lobby in the Mathematics

Department (2012)

32,346.13

---

Rehabilitation of the Lusophone Area;

rehabilitation of the parking lot (2013) ---

Main building of

Student Union

Façade rehabilitation of the main building

of the AAC (2012) 84,405.55 2A

Gardens of the Student

Union

Construction of a provisional bar in the

garden (2010) 80,000.00 ---

Gil Vicente Academic

Theatre

Conservation and adaptation of the bar

area (2012-2013) 50,000.00 ---

03 Colleges Buildings: adaptation, rehabilitation, conservation and restoration

St. Jerome College

Rehabilitation of three offices and

acquisition of air conditioning equipment

(2012-2013) 7,995.00 ---




Sco

pe

(b)

Co

nd

itio

n(c

)

Value (€) Annex

Trinity College

Rehabilitation of the Trinity College to

host the European Judicial University

Court (2013-2014) 3,710,000.00 ---

Jesus College Façade rehabilitation of Jesus College

(2010-2011) 621,810.17 ---

05 Boiler House

Rehabilitation and construction of a new

building for the degree in Artistic Studies

(2010-2011) 1,665,013.86 ---

07 Sub-Ripas Palace Inside and outside plaster repair of the

Baixo Mondego Room (2012) 4,902.78 ---

Public Space: requalification

28 Rua Larga Rehabilitation of Rua Larga and Iron Gate

square (2010) 166,877.16 ---

31 Botanical Garden: rehabilitation, conservation and restoration

Cold Greenhouses Recovering intervention (2012) 15,682.50 ---

Seed Bank Feature improvement (2012) 24,456.57 ---

Sculptural Groups

Rehabilitation and restoration of D. Maria

porch in the Botanical Garden (2012) 17,946.33 2A

33 Graça College

Execution of dismantling, demolition,

foundation, structures and drainage of

Graça College

(2011-2012)

569,324.00 ---

(a) Actions planned in the Action Plans (Physical Intervention Group) within the period from 2010 and

2012 (see Nomination Dossier, vol2, pages 146-157)

(b) Degree of Intervention: specific; partial; full;

(c) Execution deadline: in advance; on time; delayed;

2.4 Interventions promoted by the Municipality of Coimbra

Table 3 presents the list of the most relevant interventions carried out between 2010 and 2012,

promoted by the Municipality of Coimbra. Some of the planned interventions have not been

started yet, as it is stressed by the supervision indicators registered ahead (chapter 7).



Table 3 – Interventions promoted by the Municipality of Coimbra


Sco

pe

(b)

Co

nd

itio

n (

c)

Value (€) Annex

08 Anto Tower

Rehabilitation of the Anto Tower to

install the Museum for the Guitar of

Coimbra Fado (2012-2013) 374,180.00 ---

09 Former College of

Arts

Conversion of the Central Wing of the

College of Arts – Inquisition Courtyard

(2012-2013) 921,153.47 ---

11 Almedina Tower, 2

nd

Stage Façade Recovery (2011-2012) 100,549.96 2B

17

Rehabilitation of

other streets and

public spaces

Couraça dos Apóstolos, Rua Corpo de

Deus, Rua da Alegria and sidewalks of

Av. Sá da Bandeira and Monumental

Stairs (2008-2015)

511,104.39 2B

20

Interventions in

other municipal

buildings

Tea House at Sereia Garden

(2012/2015) 127,200.00 2C

22

Support of the

rehabilitation

private property

buildings

(PRAUD/Obras)

Support in the rehabilitation of 17

private houses in the city uptown.

(2011/2015) 957,541.60 2B


2012 (see Nomination Dossier, vol2, pages 146-157);


(c) Execution deadline: in advance; on time; delayed.

2.5 Other interventions

Table 4 presents the list of the most relevant interventions carried out until the 2012 by the

Central Region Directorate for Culture.

Table 4 – Interventions promoted by the Central Region Directorate for Culture

Action Description of the Intervention

Sco

pe

(a

)

Value (€) Annex

Santa Cruz Monastery

Diverse restoration and rehabilitation

interventions; Improvement of the

lighting system (2011-2012) 798,000.00 2D

Old Cathedral

Restoration and conservation;

rehabilitation and musealization (2001-

2013) 1,429,740.00 2D

(a) Degree of Intervention: specific; partial; full.



These interventions were conducted in buildings that are classified as National Monuments, and

are therefore ruled by the assessment of heritage impact according to the Portuguese Law.

Table 5 summarizes other relevant interventions, carried out until the end of the year 2012, which

contributed to enhance the image of the Property. We can stress the interventions promoted by

the Municipality. Examples are the interventions done within the scope of the Program Coimbra

com Mais Encanto, the rehabilitation of buildings by private stakeholders and the coercive works

imposed by the Municipality on private owners.

Table 5 – Other interventions

Action Description of the intervention

Sco

pe

(a

)

Value (€) Annex

Program Coimbra com

Mais Encanto

Several works: paintings, roof rehabilitation

on civil buildings (2011-2012) 766,280.99 ---

Coercive

works/imposed by the

Municipality

Works imposed to private owners to ensure

habitability of buildings 292,413.47 ---

Reabilitação promovida

por privados

Rehabilitation works on civil buildings

located in the ZEP/Protection Zone (2010-

2013) 1,153,493.06 ---

(a) Degree of Intervention: specific; partial; full.

2.6 Final remarks

In 2012 many relevant interventions in the fields of Property preservation and enhancement were

carried out according to the Management Plan. A significant number of carried out actions are

partial interventions, since the majority of the buildings are in use and it is necessary to program

the actions in a manner compatible to that use.

The financial limitations cannot be disregarded, though, in 2012 (and most likely in 2013) the

amount of money invested was significant. Even though these are not the ideal amounts, we are

far from any financial cut that may constitute a threat to the Property or to the Attributes that

ground its Universal and Exceptional Value. Besides the significant amount of money invested, it is

also worth mentioning the positive and relevant impact of the interventions in the enhancement

and safeguard of the Property, given that there is no record of any negative impact.

All the described actions had the approval of the official entities responsible for the heritage

national protection, and were supervised by the technical offices of the promoting entities. It is

expected that, from now on, this supervision to be reinforced by the action of RUAS in the most

important investments.



3 Projects carried out or undergoing

3.1 Projects Promoted by the University of Coimbra

Table 6 presents the general list of studies and projects elaborated or in progress in the period

between 2011 and 2012, promoted by the University of Coimbra.

Table 6 – Projects Promoted by the University of Coimbra

Action (a) Studies / Projects

Sco

pe

(b

)

Co

nd

itio

n (

c)

01 University Palace: rehabilitation, conservation and restoration of the buildings

Joanine Library Rehabilitation project of the Baroque LIbrary door

(2011)

St Michael’s Chapel

Survey and characterization of paintings in door arch

of the Main Chapel (2012)

Stabilization and Rehabilitation Project of the coving

of St Michael Chapel (2012)

Gerais

Rehabilitation Project of the window frame of room

(2012)

Rehabilitation Project of the Chapel lobby for the

settlement of the UC shop (2012)

Northern wing

Project of remodeling and enhancement of the

sanitary facilities and corridors of the Faculty of Law

(2010)

Remodeling Project of the Great Hall (2010-2011)

Lighting Efficiency improvement Project of the

Schools Courtyard – LedMonumental (2011)

Iron Gate and St. Peter’s College Project for rehabilitation of the Iron Door porch

(2012-2013)

Minerva Staircase and Courtyard

Recovery and rehabilitation project of the Schools

Courtyard and Minerva Stairs and the accessibility to

the Schools Courtyard (2010)

02 Buildings of the “New State” period: rehabilitation, conservation and restoration

Paulo Quintela Theatre Rehabilitation Project of the Paulo Quintela Theatre

(2010)

Departments of Physics and

Chemistry

Projetos de Requalificação para instalação de

Plataformas Científicas (2011-2012)

Main building of Student Union Rehabilitation Project of the AAC main building

façades (2010)

04 Jesus College Rehabilitation Project of the Jesus College to install

the Science Museum (2010-2012)

25 CIDUC: construction Architecture and Engineering Projects (2010-2012)




Sco

pe

(b

)

Co

nd

itio

n (

c)

31 Botanical Garden

Support Buildings – Reception

kiosk and bar

Extension of the Botanical Garden Kiosk Project

(2012)

Tropical Greenhouses and Science

Area In Situ Rehabilitation Project (2011-2012)

Sculptural Groups Rehabilitation and restoration of D. Maria porch in

the Botanical Garden Project (2012)


2012;



3.2 Projects Promoted by the Municipality of Coimbra

Table 7 presents the general list of studies and projects elaborated or in progress in the period

between 2011 and 2012, promoted by the Municipality of Coimbra.

Table 7 – Projects Promoted by the Municipality of Coimbra

Action (a) Studies / Projects S

cop

e (

b)

Co

nd

itio

n(c

)

10

Building located in the Old

Cathedral square, no 30

and Carqueja alley no 3

Rehabilitation to install a Nursery, preschool and

daycare (2010)

11 Almedina Tower, 2nd

stage Façade rehabilitation project (2010-2011)

13 Free section of the wall in

Couraça de Lisboa

Rehabilitation and improvement of the scenic

lighting– Execution project on completion (2012)

15

Urban and landscape

qualification of Terreiro da

Erva

Previous study to urban and landscape arrangement,

including remodeling the infrastructures (2012-2103)

16 Urban requalification of

Sofia Street

Previous study for urban and landscape arrangement

including infrastructure remodeling.

(2011-2014)

18 Rehabilitation projects on

municipal buildings

Remodeling and extension of Santa Cruz Primary

School.

19

Municipal buildings located

in the Inquisition courtyard

and in the Street Olímpio

Nicolau Fernandes

Rehabilitation Execution project on completion

(2012)




Sco

pe

(b

)

Co

nd

itio

n(c

)

22

Support of the

rehabilitation private

property buildings

PRAUD/Obras

Rehabilitation projects of buildings in the intramural

area of the city (2011-2015)


2012;



3.3 Other projects

Table 8 presents a list of studies and projects generally elaborated or in course within the period

from 2010 to 2012, promoted by the Central Region Directorate for Culture.

Table 8 – Projects Promoted by the Central Region Directorate for Culture

Action Studies / Projects

Sco

pe

(b)

Co

nd

itio

n(c

)

New Cathedral Cloister – Creation of museum areas

Old Cathedral

Cloister – Conservation, restoration and lighting project for

museum purposes (stage 1)

Cloister – Conservation, restoration and lighting project for

museum purposes (stage 2) (2012)

Santa Cruz Monastery Roof and Church interior – Project of execution of urgent

repairs

Church of Carmo College Project of stabilization of the façade (2012)

When Association RUAS began functioning, the interest for the rehabilitation of buildings in the

ZEP/Protection Zone, by private owners, increased. This will be visible in the Annual Report of

2013. Be noted, however, that there are currently in the Association 25 ongoing licensing

processes for the rehabilitation of buildings.



4 Plano genérico para 2013

For 2013 there is a set of interventions planned – even though some of them are not expressed in

the Action Plans – and its estimated a global investment of 6.400.000 Euros from funds of the

several Institutions and from the Strategic Reference National Board (QREN).

The development of the planned actions will be assessed in quarterly reports.

Among these it is possible to stress:

• Reconversion of the central wing of the Arts College – Inquisition Courtyard;

• Rehabilitation of buildings in the Old Cathedral square, no 30 and Carqueja alley

no 3 to install Nursery, Preschool and Day Care;

• Old Cathedral – Cloister - Conservation, restoration and lighting project for

museum purposes (2nd

Stage);

• Carmo College Church – Intervention to stabilize the façade.

It should be mentioned that the Municipality considers a priority the rehabilitation of the

Historical Centre through the development of three Urban Rehabilitation Areas in process of

delimitation (Coimbra/Alta; Coimbra /Baixa and Coimbra /Rio), and the support to the whole

process of nomination of the University to World Heritage.



5 Management Actions and Events

5.1 Implementation of the Managing Structure

The responsible for the management of the Nominated Area is Association RUAS. It was created

for that purpose and gathers all the entities with legal jurisdiction over the territory: University of

Coimbra, Municipality of Coimbra, the Central Region Directorate for Culture and the Society for

Urban Rehabilitation – Coimbra Viva.

The board of the Association area the General Assembly – that integrates the advisory Forum –

the Fiscal Board, The Executive Office and three offices with specific technical competences. The

offices are the Technical Office for Urban Structuration (GTEU), the Technical Office for

Monitoring the Plan (GTAP) and the Technical Office for Information, Incentive and Safeguard

(GTIVS).

Image 1 – Structure of Association RUAS



Formal Stages of Implementation – RUAS:

• Constitution Charter of the Association, December 29, 2011;

• 1st

General Assembly – December 29, 2011;

• Beginning of operation GTEU – October, 2012.

The Association RUAS aims:

• To safeguard, promote and manage the nominated property and buffer zone, defined in

the nomination of the University of Coimbra for UNESCO World Heritage list;

• To safeguard, promote and manage the territory allocated to the Site designated by

“University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia” under the World Heritage classification as may

be assigned by UNESCO;

• To promote, support and stimulate initiatives in scientific, cultural and social activities,

allowing the preservation and improvement of the allocated heritage;

• To make available to members and other stakeholders updated information on funding

for projects;

• To represent the classified site in national and international institutions.

5.2 Legislation and Complementary Evolution

Considering the consolidation of the legal measures that support and reinforce the Property

Protection and Management, the following actions were taken during 2012:

• January 9, 2012 – Approval, by the Municipality, of the Municipal Regulation for Urban

Construction, Recovering, and Reconversion of the area belonging to the Nomination of

the University of Coimbra to UNESCO World Heritage, including the Protection Zone;

• January 17, 2012 - Approval, by the City Council, of the Municipal Regulation for Urban

Construction, Recovering, and Reconversion of the area belonging to the Nomination of

the University of Coimbra to UNESCO World Heritage, including the Protection Zone;

• February 10, 2012 – Publication in the Official Gazette of the “Municipal Regulation of

Urban Construction, Recovery and Reconversion of the area belonging to the Nomination

University of Coimbra to UNESCO World Heritage, including the Protection zone”;

• March 12, 2012 – Enforcement of the “Municipal Regulation of Urban Construction,

Recovery and Reconversion of the area belonging to the Nomination University of

Coimbra to UNESCO World Heritage, including the Protection zone”;

• August 8, 2011 – Hiring of ParqueExpo 98, SA for providing technical consultancy services

for the creation of the Strategy for Rehabilitation under the simple operation of urban

rehabilitation and delineation of the Urban Rehabilitation Area (ARU) of the Historic

Centre of the City of Coimbra, which was called ARU – Coimbra Alta;

• November 5, 2012 – evaluation by the Municipality of the Urban Rehabilitation Area,

stated in a official instrument, for implementing a simple operation of urban



rehabilitation and respective Strategy for Rehabilitation, called Coimbra Alta. This ARU

was approved by the City Council on December 27, 2012 and published on the National

Official Journal (Announcement No. 4075/2013, on 20 March);

• During 2012 the studies of the Urban Rehabilitation Area “Coimbra/Baixa” and

“Coimbra/Rio” were object of formal approval by the Municipality and by the City Council

and it started the period of public discussion of the correspondent Strategic Programs of

Urban Rehabilitation;

• December 3, 2012 – Public session of discussion of the proposals for the Areas of Urban

Rehabilitation “Coimbra/Downtown” and “Coimbra/River”. On this matter, all the entities

referred in the studies as entity to draw in were consulted;

• December 10, 2012 – Approval and Revision of the “Master Plan of Coimbra” (PDM) by

the Municipality and address to the Supervision Commission and CCDR.

On the three areas of Urban Rehabilitation (ARU) the following summary is presented:

a. They are part of a strategy for the Historical center that is inspired and propelled by the

nomination from a territorial model for the City that grounded in the idea of (re)centering

the City in the Historical Center;

Image 2 – Territorial Model for the central area of the city

(source CMC/Parque EXPO)



b. These are its essential characteristics:

Table 9 – ARU Characterization

Coimbra Alta Coimbra Baixa Coimbra Rio

Urban rehabilitation operation Simple Systematic Systematic

Approximate area (hectares) 12 30 21

Number of buildings included 431 ≈ 900 ≈ 100

% of buildings in poor conditions/ruin 17 30 34

Schedule for implementation 2012-2020 2112-2027 2012-2027

Total investment (€) 50,257,490 124,206,000 69,007,250

Municipal investment (€) 14,339,980 13,987,500 22,278,250

Average anual municipal charge (€/ano) 1,593,331 932,500 1,485,220

Image 3 – Interventions in public areas envisaged in the Urban (source CMC/Parque EXPO)

c. These ARU will allow the gradual and integrated implementation of the measures

established in the “Municipal Regulation for Urban Construction, Recovery and

Reconversion of the area included in the Nomination of the University to UNESCO World

Heritage, including the Protection Zone” and also the actions in public spaces of the

nominated area that are being prepared.

The strategy and/or the Strategic Programs of the urban rehabilitation operations corresponding

to the three ARU advocate several concrete actions to be developed throughout the next 15

years. Some of these are planned to begin within the first three years, namely:



• Gradual and articulated implementation of the set of measures established in the

Municipal Regulation for Urban, Construction, Recovery and Reconversion of the area

included in the nomination and protection zone;

• Rehabilitation of the private and public buildings in the city uptown and downtown, with

municipal funds;

• Functional anchors for uptown and downtown: this action includes groups of or isolated

buildings whose dimensions and location show potential to incorporate new uses, or a

reinforcement of the present uses that may allow the introduction of relevant urban

functions to affirm this area of the city;

• Central Street of Coimbra – East section (estimated cost: € 1,787,000): construction of a

new way integrated in the central axis of the city that will allow, amongst other purposes,

the traffic relieve that now exists in Sofia Street. It will provide new usage and quality

solutions according to its importance and position in the city;

• Public area of Terreiro da Erva (estimated cost: € 1,035,000): rehabilitation of the area as

a central square of downtown Northern area;

• Sofia Street shops: upgrade of the commerce in this Street through am intervention in the

companies and shops;

• Sofia Guide: given the historical, cultural and symbolic significance of pole 0 of the

University of Coimbra, both locally, nationally and internationally, this guide acquires core

significance for the Historical Center. This guide will allow the diversification of the tourist

visit of the city, traditionally concentrated in the uptown area; St Cruz Church and Santa

Clara and the consequent refocus of the touristic dynamics in the Historical Center;

• Installation of equipments and outreach services, new functional anchors in relevant

buildings, valorization of the route University / Almedina Arch, sights and belvederes

network, Wi-Fi, among other actions in Alta.

5.3 Developed Activities

In the context of the activities developed by the Association RUAS in 2012, we would like to stress

the several interactions with ICOMOS in the field of the assessment of the Nomination “University

of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia”:

• Preparation and supervision of the Nomination assessment visit by the ICOMOS expert

(August/September 2012);

• Preparation of additional information requested by ICOMOS for the nomination

assessment (September/October 2012);

• Preparation of the 2nd

additional information requested by ICOMOS for the assessment of

the nomination (December 2012 to February 2013).



5.4 Final remark

The whole system of Property management – generally understood – is evolving and is now

operating in all the essential areas for the prosecution of its main purposes. 2012 was a

determinant year in this whole process of settlement and affirmation.

The dialogue with ICOMOS was of the utmost importance.

The evolution in the Property management resulted from it and was translated in concrete

measures and in its legal validation.



6 Actions and events of Information and dissemination

Within the scope of the public dissemination of the nomination “University of Coimbra –Alta and

Sofia” to World Heritage, RUAS has undergone several activities through the year 2012:

• Public act of signature by the Portuguese State (Culture Secretary of State) in the Baroque

Library of the University of Coimbra, on January 20 (see annex 3.A);

• General presentation of the Nomination in the City Council of Coimbra in the context of

the approval of the regulation of the nominated areas (see annex 3E – a);

• Presentation of the Nomination in the International Tourism Exhibition, in the stand of

the Tourism of Coimbra, with the presence of Tourism Secretary of State (see annex 3 B);

• Publicity campaign with publicity boards in the Portuguese and Brazilian airports, in a

partnership with Coimbra Tourism (see annex 3 E – b);

• Publication of an editorial of 8 pages dedicated to the Nomination in the special

anniversary edition of the newspaper Diário de Coimbra (May 24) (see annex 3 E – c);

• Public contest of the Nomination logo that received 283 contestants. The winner logo was

presented in September (see annex 3 E – d);

• Creation of a new web site for the Nomination inside the University of Coimbra portal

with the full publication of the nomination dossier <http://www.uc.pt/unesco>;

• Participation in a cycle of conversations organized by the Coimbra Lions Club about the

relationship of the nomination with the city downtown (cycle with several sessions since

June 2012 to April 2013, in several places downtown with the participation of several

representatives of the nomination and elements of several areas of the community –

businessmen, politicians, mayors, NGO, etc.) (see annex3 C)

• Production of several promotional videos about the Nomination for several purposes by

the UCV – Web Television of the University of Coimbra.

<http://ucv.uc.pt/ucv/podcasts/spots/uc-alta-e-sofia-candidatas-a-patrimonio-mundial-

da>

<http://ucv.uc.pt/ucv/podcasts/reportagem/descubra-a-candidatura-da-uc-a-unesco>;

• Organization and promotion of a shop window display and visual merchandizing contest

for the shop owners of downtown Coimbra in cooperation with the Agency for Coimbra

Downtown Promotion between June and September (see annex 3 D).

• Publication of no 37 of Rua Larga Magazine, of the University of Coimbra, dedicated to

the Nomination.

• Co-organization with Coimbra Tourism and the Former Alumni Choir of the University of

Coimbra, of the concert “Tanto mar, tanta música”, in the Schools Courtyard, with Carlos

do Carmo and Ivan Lins (see annex 3 E –e);

• Promotion of a shop window display contest on the theme of the nomination of the

University of Coimbra, Alta and Sofia to UNESCO World Heritage, for the shop owners of

downtown Coimbra in cooperation with the Agency for Coimbra Downtown Promotion in

September (see annex 3 E - f);



• Placement of outdoors in the identified buildings of the nominated area and informative

roll-ups inside with «all the technical data of the building, and historical summary and a

synthesis of the program planned in the Master Plan of the Property (see annex 3 E – g);

• Inauguration of an exhibition about the Nomination at S. Bento College, with edition on

the same day (September 19) of a promotional supplement in the local newspapers.

<http://ucv.uc.pt/ucv/podcasts/universo-uc/uma-exposicao-para-conhecer-a-

candidatura-da-uc-a->;

• “Window of Dreams”, workshops with 200 children of primary school about the heritage

and the city with further production of canvas for the windows of abandoned shops in the

city downtown – awareness action for heritage promotion and care – in cooperation with

schools, leisure associations, the Agency for Coimbra Downtown Promotion, Chiado

Municipal Museum and Coimbra Municipality.

<http://ucv.uc.pt/ucv/podcasts/spots/montra-de-mostrar-sonhos>

<http://ucv.uc.pt/ucv/podcasts/universo-uc/documentario-montra-de-mostrar-sonhos>;

• Production of flyers and promotional booklets about the Nomination;

• Publication of news and articles in several means of local, national and international

media. (ex: Magazine UP, Magazine Viajar, Magazine Europa Nostra, etc.) (ver anexo 3.E –

h, i, j);

• Organization of educational activities about the nomination in several schools of the

district. The Municipality promoted, in the years 2011 and 2012, 42 activities with the

participation of 1,427 students.

During the same period, RUAS and its constituent entities participated in the following events:

• 5th conference of the Office for the Historical Center on the topic: “World Heritage: an

added value for the City?” on April 18, 2012.

• Session promoted by ADDAC – Association for the Development and Defense of Uptown

Coimbra, on the topic: “Urban Rehabilitation Strategy for Uptown Coimbra”, on July 2012

at Casa da Escrita;

• Intervention in the debate “Human, City and Science: Urban Policies” included in the

meeting “Heritage & Urban Rehabilitation” (1st

edition), on the topic “Urban

Rehabilitation: Historical Centers” (Science Museum of the University of Coimbra/ Central

Region Directorate for Culture/Santa Clara-a-Velha Museum/ Center for Social Studies),

on October 18, 2012 in Coimbra.

• Presentation “About the Rehabilitation of Uptown Coimbra”, delivered at the Congress on

Construction, 2012 (ITeCons), December 18, 2012, Coimbra.



7 Indicators of Management and Monitoring of the Property

In the Nomination Dossier (volume 1, page 245) four key indicators for the Property supervision

were established. These indicators are presented on table 10. It is the intention of Association

RUAS, through GAP, and according to the experience acquired in each year and from the

reflection about the results, to promote the evolution of these indicators and of their means of

assessment, considering as reference the purposes of safeguard and enhancement of the

Property and ICOMOS guidelines.

Table 10 – Indicators record

INDICATORS

EVOLUTION

until 2011 until 2012

I-01

Evaluation and record-keeping of percentage of completed

physical interventions and adaptations to new uses according to

the plan and schedule presented in the Management Plan

According to the physical evolution of the intervention 59% (a) 47% (a)

According to the funds invested --- 93% (b)

2011 2012

I-02

Percentage of buildings that, in each year, have not yet

undergone minimal work of conservation and restoration

essential for the expected level of performance

46% (c) 42% (c)

I-03

Evolution of number of visitors in the spaces and buildings

exclusively or chiefly devoted to tourist enjoyment

--- + 5,62% (d)

I-04

Evolution of number of buildings in moderate or bad state of

conservation in the protection areas

(e) (e)

(a) The effectively fulfilled percentage of the predicted execution in the two moments and

for the carried out and undergoing interventions was calculated (recording of the number

of interventions weighted by their degree of implementation, but without considering

the cost differences);

(b) Provisional and approximate calculation for the evolution of the investment in works

until the end of 2012. It determines the percentage of work executed according to the

planned and invested value;

(c) In a total of 31 buildings considered more relevant;

(d) It corresponds to the number of sold tickets; the accounting system is still in evolution

and it is not possible to control the number of free entrances;

(e) Considering the short period in which this assessment took place, the evolution in the

state of conservation of the buildings is not significant. It is worth noticing, however, the

improvement situations that correspond to the interventions described in chapter 2.



8 Impact of the Property Evolution over its Attributes

The table below has the purpose of being a supervision tool for the Exceptional Universal Value,

expressed by the supporting attributes.

Quadro 11 – Impact of the Property Evolution over its Attributes

ATTRIBUTES Ev

olu

tio

n

01 One of the oldest Universities in Europe (a)

02 The only University in the Portuguese universe until 1911 (a)

03 The first university pole created through an operation of urban expansion

04 Model of new architectural typologies

05 The university occupies a Royal Palace

06 The exceptionality of the Baroque Library (b)

07 Example of university reformations in the ideological, pedagogical and material fields

08 The University with ancient academic traditions

09 The University of cultural and scientific expansion

10 The University of cultural and scientific dissemination through Press

11 Holder of an important estate in the fields of sciences and biological heritage (b)

12 The University of the consolidation, dissemination and expansion of the Portuguese language

13 The role of the University in the formation of the Portuguese state (a)

14 The University of elite formation in a pluricontinental area

15 Model of exhibition of the scientific heritage (c)

16 Model of integration of the archaeological and architectural heritage

17 Model of retrieval of the architectural heritage

(a) ) Immutable Attribute;

(f) Works were made and/or are undergoing projects that will contribute for the improvement in the

conservation condition of the Property;

(g) Non-execution/ adjournment with no determined term for a predicted action.



The qualitative evaluation of those attributes should allow the identification of threats potential

and enhancement opportunities, becoming indispensable as a guideline for the management

tasks.

The detailed analysis of table 8 reveals that some attributes (3 in 17) are immutable, for they

correspond to historical events, whose evidences are not subject of change.

As for the remaining, it is expected that the physical conditions and the activity of the University

and of the other institutions do not change their contribution for the Exceptional Universal Value

of the Property. In this condition are 11 of the remaining 14.

Our special attention goes to attributes 6, 11 and 15.

As far as attributes 6 and 11 are concerned, the enhancement interventions and projects of the

Baroque Library and of the Botanical Garden contribute, in a relevant manner, for the evidence

and safeguard of the Exceptional Universal Value.

As for attribute 15, concerning the “Model of exhibition of the scientific heritage”, even though

there is no threat or degradation of the evidences of this attribute, and despite the continuity of

the excellent work of the Science Museum (located in the former Chemical Laboratory), it is

necessary to mention a potential loss of relevance the fact that, as a result of the present

economic situation, has not been able to maintain, on a short term, the second stage of the

Science Museum that will occupy the Jesus College.



9 Final Remarks

This document is the first annual monitoring and supervision report of the management plan of

the Property “University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia” and it concerns the year 2012.

As it is the first report elaborated for the purpose, it has a special significance for it sets the

beginning of a new process and of new habits and attitudes towards the Property.

As a first report, it is also the opportunity to test the approach method and the data presentation

concerning the interventions on the buildings and remaining developed activities.

For this report the core indicators predicted in the nomination dossier were adopted, despite the

work undergoing to improve them, and considering the local reality and the most recent

international recommendations in this domain.

The undergone analysis allows us to conclude that, in 2012, the Property was not object of threats

to its integrity and that the effort for its enhancement was significant. Despite the present

financial constrictions, the Property was not affected by those conjectural changes.

It is advisable that this report may also be used as a support document for the debate and

reflection of the community and, in particular, of the Consultative Forum of RUAS (General

Assembly).

university of coimbra – alta and sofia ...university of coimbra – alta and sofia management plan...

Documents