The Cultural Construction project gained another stage in Rio Grande do Sul. Sinduscon-RS launched, this Monday (3/8), the revitalization of the Monument to General Bento Gonçalves, in Porto Alegre, in partnership with the Associação Sul Riograndense da Construção Civil. The initiative combines civil construction and preservation of historical heritage, with works scheduled to begin in the second half of August and an estimated investment of R$1 million.
What foresees the revitalization of the Bento Gonçalves Monument
The Monument to General Bento Gonçalves is one of the main symbols of Gaucho history and culture. Inaugurated in 1936 and created by the sculptor Antônio Caringi, the monument depicts the leader of the Farroupilha Revolution on horseback. The choice of the monument is not random: Bento Gonçalves led one of the most remarkable episodes in the history of Rio Grande do Sul, and his bronze image has been part of Porto Alegre's urban scene for almost a century. The intervention announced by Sinduscon-RS foresees the complete recovery of the monument, with an execution period of around 90 days.
- Conservation of bronze sculpture
- Restoration of the pedestal
- Recomposition of the sculptural panels stolen in 2017
- Improvements to lighting and surrounding landscaping
In addition to the historical value, the revitalization reinforces the role of civil construction in preserving cultural assets. The work will be carried out by the same technical team that carried out the previous actions of the project, which guarantees quality standards and continuity in interventions. The revitalization also strengthens the relationship between the sector and the community, showing that construction can act to enhance public space and preserve local identity. The recomposition of the sculptural panels is one of the most delicate stages, as it requires a faithful replica of the original pieces and integration with the existing structure, combining traditional casting techniques with 3D scanning support to guarantee precision.
Cultural Construction: preservation trajectory in RS
Created in 2014, the Cultural Construction project mobilizes companies, entities and institutions to recover historical assets and strengthen the partnership between the private sector, public authorities and society. Throughout its history, the initiative has already restored 33 monuments and corners of Parque Farroupilha and carried out the revitalization of the Monument to Laçador, consolidating itself as one of the main actions to preserve Gaucho's cultural heritage. Each stage brings together professionals from different areas, from structural engineering to the conservation of artistic assets.
- 33 monuments and corners of Farroupilha Park restored
- Revitalization of the Monument to Laçador, an icon of the capital of Rio Grande do Sul
- Partnership between Sinduscon-RS and the Southern Riograndense Civil Construction Association
- Mobilization of companies, entities and institutions in the sector
The involvement of the private sector is what differentiates Construção Cultural: instead of relying solely on public resources, the project relies on the mobilization of construction companies that donate services, materials and specialized labor. Projects like this show how the sector can contribute beyond conventional works. For those who work with modeling and projects, monitoring restoration works is an opportunity to apply techniques such as digital surveying and technical documentation. CAD and BIM software allows you to record the current state of the monument, plan interventions with precision and maintain a digital history of the heritage — a practice that is increasingly valued in restoration projects in Brazil and abroad.
How to follow the works
The works to revitalize the Bento Gonçalves Monument begin in the second half of August and should be completed in around 90 days. Follow Sinduscon-RS and CBIC for news from the construction sector in Rio Grande do Sul. And if you work with engineering and architecture projects, check it out on CanalVIP catalog software and tools to support your work.