Local Stones and the Singularity of the Urban Landscape: Bizkaia Limestones (North Spain)

Abstract

The stone used in historic buildings gives individual cities and towns their own unique character. The chief purpose of this project was to showcase the use of stone in built elements and to create a systematic protocol for compiling data from towns and cities. Three ornamental limestones were selected from the province of Bizkaia (Spain), all of which are recognised locally, nationally and even internationally: Red Ereño , Black Markina and Grey/Jaspe Mañaria . A georeferenced database was obtained, giving both the use of the stone (ornamental or structural) and data on the varieties used and the finishes employed, together with a preliminary outline of the principal alterations in limestones on built elements. Georeferenced images were also included. The database was made publicly available via a website to be used by personnel engaged in building rehabilitation. In this way, the geological information can contribute to preserving the original aesthetics of the buildings. The results obtained showcase the importance of these limestones in the urban landscape and the colour palette of towns in the province. They also highlight changes in use of the stone (from construction to ornamental) over time. This information can be used to enhance the value of the stone in architectural projects, and raise awareness of the loss of identity caused by building renovation projects that remove local stone from urban environments for the sake of a more modern aesthetic.

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