AI could help better conserve Portuguese azulejos

Azulejos are part of Portugal’s DNA, but they often fall into disrepair. Two AI programs could help speed up their restoration by detecting any damage.

Portugal has a wonderful national treasure: azul which adorn its historical monuments. King Manuel I (1469-1521) was the first to introduce these decorative ceramic tiles inspired by Moorish art to the country. Since then, different styles have evolved. Sometimes this particular heritage is several centuries old, yet it suffers multiple damages.

Exposed to all winds or poorly made, they need constant care to protect and restore them when necessary. To improve this process by speeding it up and organizing it, researchers from the University of Minho, in Guimarães, have thought of using two AI programs based on deep learning (Deep learning). As they mentioned in the review. Cultural Heritage MagazineThe principle works fairly well, even if it needs improvement.

AI could help better conserve Portuguese azulejos

Once you walk into a Portuguese town, you azul They are present, covering the facades, columns, ceilings and sometimes even the floors, of historical monuments, but also of many public or private buildings. They have been part of the Portuguese heritage since the end of the 15th century, when King Don Manuel brought back the idea after a trip to Spain.

The Manueline style, which flourished during his reign, combined elements of flamboyant Gothic, Italian Renaissance and Moorish decoration. The Sintra Palace in particular dates from this period, where the technique of mosaic tiling was first introduced. azul They are in fact single-coloured or decorated ceramic tiles (glazed ceramics), arranged in a geometric or symbolic pattern, over a fairly large surface.