VIRTUAL Lisbon Livable Cities
Abstract
From the last decades of the 20th century to the present day, the monumental complex of Baixa Pombalina, a historic place of excellence in the city of Lisbon, has undergone interventions and adaptations to its buildings, caused by changes in the different socio-economic contexts. However, the Baixa Pombalina Protection Detail Plan allowed the preservation of this remarkable heritage that, in the past, was in a state of degradation and architectural de-characterisation. Nowadays, this part of Baixa Pombalina is notable for the quality of the public space and the main facades that characterise the Pombaline buildings, as a result of the urban regeneration and preservation of their authenticity that has taken place over the years. However, when the sublime scenic space – the urban space – is transposed, the rear facades are often labelled as backstage. Degraded spaces, with inefficient infrastructures and precarious constructions, de-characterising the identity of the Pombaline building. Considering that the Baixa Pombalina buildings are unique, resulting from the integration of an ensemble, the space and the rear facades must be understood as spaces belonging to that ensemble and not dissonant with the image of the Baixa Pombalina building complex. Thus, based on case studies, the article aims to analyse and address the current problem of the rear space of Pombaline buildings and its architectural importance in the unity of the built ensemble, so that it does not become a de-characterising element. This article will survey case studies, analyse the reasons for the situation and propose intervention solutions.
Alexandra Rebelo Vieira completed PhD, Course in Theoretical Architecture and Design Practice from the University of Lisbon, Faculdade de Arquitetura (2018) and a Degree in Architecture from the Universidade Autónoma of Lisbon (2005). She has been a Professor at the Lisbon Higher Education and Science Institute (ISEC Lisbon) since then 2021. Collaborated in architecture studios (2003 – 2011): Francisco Simões in Lisbon, B+R in Madrid, Victor Mestre and Sofia Aleixo in Lisbon, Acebo e Alonso in Madrid. Areas of interest and research: architecture, heritage, urban mobility.
Jorge Lopes: Graduate Civil Engineer, researcher (retired) of National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC) in Lisbon, visiting professor (retired) of Higher Institute of Engineering of Lisbon (ISEL), and currently professor and researcher at ISEC Lisboa – Higher Institute of Education and Sciences. Main general and particular research areas: Construction technology, Pathology on buildings envelope, Humidity in buildings and Roof waterproofing systems. Supervision of several students of Master Degree in Higher Technical Institute (IST) and ISEL. Reviewer of scientific articles for two international journal. Author and co-author of more than 300 published documents, such as technical and scientific reports, articles, papers and books.
Isabel Martins: Has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, ISEL (1984). (2013) graduate in Civil Engineering from the Instituto Superior Autónomo de Estudos Politécnicos, IPA. (2015) specialized in Risks and Civil Protection: Instituto Superior de Educação e Ciências, ISEC Lisboa. (2018) obtained the title of Specialist: Public Evidence – Civil Construction and Civil Engineering assigned by the Polytechnic Institute of Tomar. (1985-2015) professional career as a Technical Engineer in the Works Department: construction building. She is a teacher in Construction and Rehabilitation Engineering Coordinator ISEC Lisboa and Vice-President of the Order of Technical Engineers (OET).