ANALYSIS OF THE ONGOING TRANSFORMATION OF VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE IN LA SAGRA REGION, TOLEDO, SPAIN

Abstract. We notice how the particular identities of the architectural tradition of our villages, towns and regions are suffering a historically unprecedented transformation, leading in some cases to its almost entire disappearance. In order to allow identifying the variables which are affecting these processes and to better address this problem a methodology has to be developed and systematically applied. Such a method has been developed for this study and tested in a specific case: La Sagra region in Toledo, where the transformations occurred in its vernacular architecture have been meticulously analysed. Using this tool, it has been possible to reliably identify those aspects having the most impact on the transformation of the architecture of this region. In order to do so, all existing buildings in a selected area, where all possible factors which might affect the studied phenomena were found to be homogeneous, have been studied, house after house and building detail after building detail: from their volume and composition to elements such as cornices, walls, roofs, lintels, windows, doors, finishings, chimneys, etc. This has allowed having accurate statistics on each and every transformation taking place: what is being replaced and how it is being replaced. These statistics are therefore scientifically showing the exact nature of the on-going transformations as well as, consequently, they are pointing out the most valuable ways to ease or even to stop the loss of local identity they are causing.