Social housing in Portugal. The specific case of Porto : Ilhas do Parça da Alegria

Housing shortage is a rising problem all over the world, specially in, but not limited to, highly dense cities. As the world urban population increases at an accelerated rate, the demand for quality housing that is also accessible has multiplicated. This paper approaches the current and historical reality of social housing in Portugal, specifically in Porto. It aims at explaining and putting to test a new model for “flexible housing” , where historical degradated housing clusters called ilhas are transformed into quality standing accessible homes. The ilhas (islands) although in need of refurbishment, represent and contain a social and collective memory that must be preserved. This given, the new model for flexible housing not only allows for more diversity of dwellers to inhabit the place but it also respects and enhances the collective memory of the ilhas.

SOCIAL HOUSING IN PORTO