Using a Comparative Graphic Method in the Analysis of the Evolution of the Macao Senate

摘要

The Senate was the civil institution that for centuries ruled Macao, the first western city in Asia. In 400 years the Senate building, seen as a representative of Macao's civil architecture, adapted different layouts. Researching its evolution is important in understanding the history of Macao's Architecture, and the reason why several scholars attempted to provide a picture of the first building, based only in 18th century references. The result was the creation of a conjectural image, which become popular but unfortunately it is supported with insufficient historical and scientific fundamentals. The objective of this paper is to analyze the evolution of the Senate building, from its foundation until the present. In order to retrieve a more faithful view of the building's historical evolution, this study is based on a scientific method that consists in systematic analysis and comparison of: 1) Graphic data; 2) Historical documents; and 3) Archeological findings. After that this combined data was compared with similar data obtained from western Iberian buildings of the period. The conclusions of this study show a more realistic picture of the long history of the Senate building, as well resolves some of the enigmas and misconceptions surrounding it.