Beyond the appearance. Overwritten heritage communication

The knowledge of an urban space does not end with the collection of superficial information but requires a two-way relationship between subject and object. We are talking about an active process in which man has the opportunity to interact; man is the protagonist of an urban experience that leads him to formalize an image in his mind. If we think about the whole process, the goal is based on a research process, systematization of existing and new data, and, therefore, of all the analyses and studies carried out so far to access a deep knowledge capable of achieving the standardization of the acquisition process. It is intended to establish a codification of data (e.g., texts, bibliographies, maps, drawings, traditional and massive surveys, virtual reconstructions, etc.) in order to create a virtual environment (digital library) of heterogeneous digital models of cultural heritage, from large to small scale, but also of intangible data. From this paper’s specific point of view, this research presents a pilot experience that consists of structuring a protocol for documenting the eclectic historical heritage of the city of São Carlos, located in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. In addition to developing the protocol, this research also proposes that its results can be accessed digitally and democratically by society. Thus, it is emphasized that this work is the beginning of a process that does not end in this article, but rather, it will serve for the consolidation and systematization of data with the municipal institutions of São Carlos in order to value the eclectic style, which for many years was placed on the fringes of architectural studies in schools in the country.