The story underfoot: the hydraulic tiles of the Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Manaus as integrated heritage assets

Abstract

Hydraulic tiles are building materials that encompass both their functionality (as surface coating) and their use (as a component of a visual programming in architecture). In this study, we propose to analyze the typological diversity of the hydraulic tiles present in  the Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Manaus/Amazonas and in its chapel, revealing its use as a symbol of modernity of the eclectic  period, but also as an attempt to segregate the spaces by social class from the floor paging. From the visual inspection of the spaces at different times, after the closure of the building, it was found that, despite the damage caused to the site, there still remain floors  of hydraulic tiles that tell part of the history of the institution and can raise memories and experiences that will contribute to actions to enhance and preserve the cultural heritage of the Santa Casa de Misericórdia.