The focus that guides this dissertation is targeted on the analysis of the representations of what can be considered vernacular and institutionalized design. Then the research has, as the main objective, the investigation of the symbolic values that are inserted into spaces that are considered in this work as vernacular. It is in this context, that the botequim (tavern, bar) space is contemplated. For a better understanding of the concepts surrounding this space, it was investigated the ideas of simulacrum and simulation, from the vernacular appropriation of these spaces and their representation in various contemporary social contexts. One of the points raised is related to the tradition of frequenting taverns in Rio and how was the process of building this space and the characteristics that it has as social support and which makes their attendees to have a sense of community. The research on the artifacts that composes the botequins and it’s symbolic meanings that characterize the lifestyle in Rio, has as the main point, the verification of how the appropriation of the vernacular design is being made by the erudite design. The analysis result of the research described above allows to visualize how social actors relates to these different spaces in the contemporary scenery, therefore, it is understood to be extremely relevant for the field of the design to identify this projectual mode conducted through appropriations of different social representations, as also to demonstrate their effective participation in the contemporary scenery.