PRR Project

Summary

The researcher will carry out research tasks in housing and urban dynamics, based on the understanding of housing policies developed after the revolution of April 25, 1974. In this field of work the impacts of social exclusion will be assessed, and associated participation processes for the promotion of public housing. The recognition of fundamental case studies, produced in the national and international context, will allow us to build a map of analysis of architectural production in the last 50 years of democratic rule.In this context, the construction of a critical reading of the history of Portuguese architecture will be explored, within the cultural spectrum, the path of a group of architects, involved with housing themes. The study and analysis of ways of life and the understanding of informal phenomena of territorial occupation presuppose the identification of patterns that inform the exploratory processes relating to the types of organization of housing spaces. Social aspects will also be analyzed, with the objective of this research to point out ways to reconcile access to housing and the city for the neediest populations.Housing programs will be seen as laboratory fields of investigation, where themes such as i) the relationship with urban morphology converge; ii) the organization of domestic space; iii) the technological aspects of construction; iv) the processes of occupation and understanding of the urban environment; v) and finally, the establishment of urban and territorial continuities.Research in Housing and Urban Dynamics will also allow the launch of approaches relating to environmental issues, which must be observed, not only in terms of the physical maintenance of buildings, but also in terms of land use.On the physical maintenance side of the building, the resilience of the construction processes used, and their energy certification will be investigated, to find ways to improve the performance of the buildings, without compromising the architectural value of the complexes.On the other hand, it will be relevant to delve deeper into biophysical and socioeconomic issues. In other words, understanding the metabolism of the territory, its water lines and soil permeability, will be crossed with the analysis of the porosities of urban morphology, and the continuities of urban public space.Considering the area of activity, the researcher must have a profile appropriate to the theme described, presenting a CV revealed to work in the area. The methodological processes related to applied research must be considered. Priority should be given to selecting a researcher with direct knowledge of the research area, either through direct relationships with populations living in precarious conditions, or through inventory work and archival organization.In terms of connection with the research unit, these tasks will strengthen the lines of research on housing, as they will introduce mechanisms for decoding concepts and goals of housing projects, promoting tools for new urban and social integration actions, within the framework of contemporary society.