Recommendations for the preservation of the Modern Movement Heritage in Oporto: the case of spatial adaptability of modern multifamily housing between 1940 and 1960

Abstract eng:
This article analyses Modern Movement modern multifamily housing in Oporto. The main objective is the preservation of this heritage considering the high spatial and functional flexibility of these buildings. The study begins with the analysis of examples of multifamily housing that are main references of the Modern architectural Movement in Oporto. This architectural ensemble represents a period of significant conceptual changes in housing architectural production that introduce modern and innovative questions from spatial/formal, technical/structural and social/ideological points of view. The study of recent types of intervention in modern multifamily housing arises from the increased awareness of the degradation of this architectural legacy and of its high patrimonial value, which engenders a need to adapt the buildings to contemporary living. It is important to compare the original projects with the existing buildings, identifying the spatial transformations and the changes to interior housing organization. The objective is to understand the original spatial configuration and its use through the years. In conclusion, it is important to know what main spatial modifications were made, and to recognize the reasons that led to the identified changes so as to define how to preserve this heritage maintaining a high quality of architecture. From previous studies, we can say that there is already an awareness to preserve the architectural quality of modern heritage. Nevertheless, this article provides an analysis based on knowledge unknown to many. Some questions arise: What do we really know about the state of conservation of these buildings? What really should be preserved? What kind of interventions may jeopardize the building's integrity? How can we change the building’s spatiality without destroying its originality?

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