VIRTUAL Prague Research & Teaching Conference
Abstract
In the fifth-year Studio A of Integrated Project III at FA.ULisboa, students examined themes of gentrification, tourism impacts, climate challenges, and post-COVID-19 reflections within the “Invisible Cities” framework. Focusing on Portugal’s coastal cities—Lagos (2022/2023) and Cascais (2023/2024)—students proposed affordable and sustainable housing solutions. This paper explores how theoretical reflections on the meaning and making of home were introduced in discussions and consultations, influencing students’ architectural designs. Through presentations and consultations, students were encouraged to consider the complexity of “home” in terms of privacy, security, and belonging, while also examining challenging aspects such as alienation, social anxiety, claustrophobia, and agoraphobia. This duality encouraged students to recognise housing as a bridge between public and private spheres, influencing social dynamics and space politics. Additionally, the question, “Would you like to live here?” guided students to foster empathy and align their designs with democratic, sustainable, and socially inclusive values. Consequently, students approached design with greater awareness of space, light, materiality, and porosity. Housing typologies became more flexible, with transitional spaces—such as galleries, hallways, and rooftops—mitigating the public-private divide. Their designs engaged with broader urban contexts and challenges, offering varied, adaptable housing solutions. In reflection on this experience, this paper argues that integrating such theoretical discussions into architecture curricula can deepen students’ understanding of home’s multifaceted meanings, promoting sustainable, human-centred design approaches.
Amer Obied (b. 1995) is an architect and PhD candidate in Architecture (2020-2025) at the University of Lisbon, where he is also a Graduate Teaching Fellow (2022-2024). He earned a Master’s in Architecture from the University of Minho (2019). His research explores the interplay between cinema and architecture, focusing on emotional and spatial phenomena. His doctoral thesis examines “unhome” and “unhomely” narratives in cinema. He also investigates the cinematic and architectural history of the Middle East, particularly Syria and Lebanon, and studies post-war reconstruction and public spaces.
Pedro Belo Ravara (b. 1964) holds a degree in Architecture from the Technical University of Lisbon, a Master’s from the State University of New York, and a PhD from the Technical University of Lisbon. An Associate Professor at FA.ULisboa, he coordinates the 5th-year Integrated Project III, leads Studio A “Invisible Cities,” and supervises theses. Former Visiting Professor at Minnesota State University and Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, he is a published author and co-founder of BAIXA Atelier, specialising in urban planning, architecture, interior design, and project management, with various advisory roles across Portugal and Europe.
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Tuesday 10th June, 2025