The ergonomic and legal aspects of the heritage of the state of Pernambuco - Brazil

Abstract

Abstract This paper aims to demonstrate the situation of the buildings declared a historical landmark by the government spheres in the state of Pernambuco, and how they attend the norms of accessibility for those with special needs. The methodology of the research contemplated a sample of 46 heritage buildings, approximately 16% of the universe of properties, which are around 268. In turn, these were limited to Recife’s Metropolitan Region Area - RMR comprising 30% of the 153 properties of the municipalities of: Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Igarassu, Itamaracá, Ipojuca, Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Moreno, Olinda, Paulista, Recife and São Lourenço da Mata. From the specific forms set up based on the theoretical reference, as well as graphics and photographic records were assessed the aspects of both internal and external accessibility, displacement, (visual) orientation, and the use of space and equipment. In the analysis of different types was assembled a summary table ranking the samples in accessible, partially accessible and not accessible. As general results were found that from the 46 properties examined, 2 (5%) are accessible, 16 (35%) are partially accessible and 28(60%) are not accessible. Such data, although sample, shows that the majority of heritage properties does not provide access to people physically disabled or with reduced mobility signaling for professionals, managers and society institutions on the need to reduce physical barriers in such heritage.