New typologies for the Malagueira regarding the current generations and sustainable solutions

Abstract

The Bairro da Malagueira (the Malagueira Neighborhood) is a social housing neighborhood designed by the acclaimed Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza in 1977. Its original purpose was to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Évora. However, as time passes, people and circumstances evolve. Over five generations have passed since the project was initiated, leading to shifts in how people live, their activities, and their identities. Naturally, these changes have influenced housing design, adapting to shifting needs and expectations. This thesis investigates envisioning how dwellings in the neighborhood would look if designed today. It particularly focuses on the societal and construction shifts that have spanned over five generations. The primary research goal is to adapt Siza’s typologies, emphasizing an unrealized western Malagueira residential plan. The aim is a typology aligned with current sustainable design and construction methods, addressing contemporary societal needs. The methodology involves comprehensive fieldwork, visiting significant Siza structures like the Escola Superior de Educação de Setúbal and Malagueira locations. Extensive bibliographic research on Álvaro Siza Vieira’s writings, questionnaires, and data from Câmara Municipal de Évora documents was conducted. Project evolution and elements were analyzed, culminating in a SWOT analysis. This research will inform a new Malagueira residential neighborhood, considering existing residences’ strengths and limitations, demographic insights into Évora and Malagueira, and resident recommendations. In summary, this thesis reimagines Bairro da Malagueira in light of sustainable construction methods and societal shifts, bridging the past and present for a modernized and harmonious living environment.

O Bairro da Malagueira, projetado pelo arquitecto Álvaro Siza em 1977, buscava melhorar a qualidade de vida em Évora. Ao longo de mais de cinco gerações, mudanças na forma de vida das pessoas influenciaram o design das habitações para atender às novas necessidades. Esta tese se concentra em como seriam as habitações hoje, com ênfase em mudanças sociais e de construção ao longo de cinco gerações. O objetivo principal é adaptar as tipologias de Siza, especialmente um plano habitacional não realizado na Malagueira ocidental, alinhando-o com métodos de design e construção sustentável atuais. A metodologia inclui amplo trabalho de campo e pesquisa bibliográfica nos escritos de Siza Vieira, questionários e análise de documentos da Câmara Municipal de Évora, resultando em uma análise SWOT. Os resultados informarão o desenvolvimento de um novo bairro residencial em Malagueira, considerando as forças e limitações das residências existentes, dados demográficos de Évora e Malagueira, e as recomendações dos residentes. Em resumo, essa tese reimagina o Bairro da Malagueira com métodos de construção sustentável, criando um ambiente de vida modernizado e harmonioso que une passado e presente.