Industrial Architecture and Nature in the ruins of the Imperial Slaughterhouse of Santa Cruz, Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

The slaughterhouse of the Imperial Slaughterhouse in Santa Cruz opened in 1881 and is an important sample of industrial architecture of meat processing of the 19th century’s. Its oldest buildings were built with stone masonry following hygienist standards recommended at time. The work presents an analysis of the slaughterhouse plant in its first phase of operation and of the reasons that led to modifications of the original project. The rocks used in its construction are exposed in the Princess Isabel Palace and on the walls of its ruins which keep geological records of the old deposit, located in Morro do Cruzeiro. The quarry and geological features were decisive in the choice of the construction site. Data contained in the stones and masonry of the slaughterhouse reveal inconsistencies with published geological maps and demonstrate the need for more detailed mapping of this region. The work also reiterates the need for actions that aim at the recovery, preservation and destination of the Ruins of the Slaughterhouse.