Revisiting the Traditional Architecture of Timor-Leste in light of Ruy Cinatti's 1950's travel records: documenting transformation and change in the built environment

During the mid-20th century, a series of Portuguese scientific missions
(MAT) formed by artists, architects and scientists documented Timor-Leste’s
traditional housing resulting on the book ‘Arquitetura Timorense’ [Cinatti et
al 1987]. The aim of this work is to illustrate some of the transformations
occurred in the traditional architecture of Timor, from the period of the MAT
missions till today. This research focused on 4 out of the 7 regions identified
by Ruy Cinnatti in his original book, and discussed 4 particular typologies in
context. The authors have used archival research [Australia, Timor-Leste and
Portugal] as well as extensive fieldwork in Timor-Leste in 2019 and 2020.
The results demonstrate that the traditional housing practices are being
considerably modified in response to the conditions that the country finds
itself today. {e.g. Scarcity of resources, land tenure issues and difficulties on
transferring skills [design and making] to the youth generation.