Arquitetura Industrial na obra de Armenio Losa

Abstract

The present master thesis studies the industrial architecture, developed by Arménio Losa, in the north of Portugal, between the third and seventh decades of the 20th century. This architect actively expressed himself in order to defend the modern ideals in their aesthetical and social dimensions. Therefore, it´s interesting to show his commitment on solving the inherent problems of the industry´s development, particularly regarding on the worker´s labor conditions. The course of this paper pretends to analyze the principal industrial projects by Arménio Losa and the relations they establish with each other, in order to perceive and understand their influences. In this way, we present a study of the international modern industrial architecture, as well as an approach to the Portuguese context. Doing so, this thesis tries to show how Arménio Losa has interpreted the modern movement, in a country that not only was under developed but also presented less favorable political conditions. Still, on the certainty that architecture should follow a parallel path to industrial progress, Arménio Losa demonstrates in his works a capacity to adjust the shape to function, using as often as possible the most advanced techniques. Furthermore, there´s an interest on crossing the expressed ideas by this architect on the two thesis presented at the First National Congress of Architecture, in 1948 "The architecture and the new factories" and "Industry and construction", with his architecture, in order to understand how far his posture was maintained along his work.