The "Cartilla de mantenimiento" as a tool for the protection and maintenance of the earthen architectural heritage in Tunja, Colombia

The paper aims to investigate which strategies and actions could be put in place in order to involve the inhabitants in the preservation and maintenance of their traditional architecture. The case study is Tunja - the capital city of Boyacá Department in Colombia, where the preservation and conservation of vernacular heritage is in great danger: the demolition of original construction systems (adobe or tapia pisada masonries, slabs, roofs called “par y nudillo”), the removal of traditional components (carpentry, floors, upholstery), as well as the integration of the structures with inconsistent temporary elements are a common practice, here and in other Colombian cities. In order not only to address experts in the field, but also to involve inhabitants in raising awareness and capacities, the so-called "cartillas" - well-spread means in South America –are identified as an excellent support. The cartilla here proposed is conceived like a guide to help people of Tunja identifying and acknowledging their traditional heritage, and to raise awareness of adequate prevention and maintenance of the city historic buildings. The manual is divided into three parts; the first describes the main features related to the architectural heritage; the second analyses the main causes of decay that endanger the local architecture.; lastly, the final section aims at finding possible solutions and actions to be taken to protect the heritage.