Um projeto estratégico para o quarteirão da Antiga Companhia Aurifícia

Abstract

The study area of the present dissertation, entitled A strategic project for the block of the Antiga Companhia Aurifícia, consists of a block in the city center of Porto, composed by Rua Álvares Cabral, Rua de Cedofeita, Rua dos Bragas and Rua dos Mártires da Liberdade, in which is ingrounded the Antiga Companhia Aurifícia. The interest in intervention themes of industrial heritage and urban regeneration found its synthesis in the referred block. The Antiga Companhia Aurifícia, located within the study area, was founded in 1869 as a preaching industry. And, in despite of being closed for decades, it has remained relatively in good condition. Its importance is also perceived by those who live there, as well as by the Government, which has classified it as an exceptional heritage, in 2012. The value of this area transcends the presence of the Aurifícia, although it has a great impact on the region. Since the block has several bourgeois buildings of precious semblance, also has two large "empty" areas inside, and is located in downton Porto, defined by streets, characterized by commerce, tourism, nightlife. The confluence of these characteristics defines a vast range of possibilities for intervention in the area, in order to play an active role in the city, which is translated in the Municipal Master Plan by the demarcation of this block as "Special Urbanization Area". This dissertation proposes an intervention project and redesign of the study area aiming the creation of a new urban space. It may begins by Rua Álvares Cabral, by Rua dos Bragas through the gates of the Antiga Companhia Aurifícia, and by Rua de Cedofeita, over a lot, underutilized as a car park, proposing the construction of new buildings, aswell as stipulating uses for the existing volumes of the deactivated industry.