Integrated methodologies for documentation and restoration of Modern architecture: survey and representation of the “Casa das Canoas” by Niemeyer

“Casa das Canoas” in Rio de Janeiro, conceived by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer in 1953 in Canoas, Barra da Tujica, deep in the Tijuca Forest, was designed to make the house a part of the landscape. This is why Niemeyer designed the whole building around a large rock that was on the site and it was left there as the binding element of the whole project. The glass skin to minimize the visual separation between architecture and nature, the free, thin, flowing shape of the concrete roof and the curved shapes are the main features of this inestimable heritage, that is currently facing several problems of materials deterioration and lack of maintenance. The relationship among the project design and the actual construction, the inclusion and integration of architecture in the natural landscape, material conservation’ issues in this particular natural context and the need of documenting this famous architecture now in danger, led to a choice of survey technologies able to meet the problems of preservation of memory. Therefore the 3D laser scanner survey was aimed at knowledge, documentation, protection and enhancement of this important cultural heritage and the surrounding landscape. The digital survey campaign, including the external areas and the garden, has been integrated by a diagnostic survey in order to map the state of conservation and the main degradation issues. The 3D survey will be a strong base for future conservation projects and it will preserve the memory of this extraordinary house. Furthermore, the 3D laser scanner survey of Casa das Canoas is consistent with the digitalization of the Oscar Niemeyer Foundation Archive, one of the Foundation’ priority in order to create a Niemeyer’s drawings archive for researchers and academics