Do Ciclo Vicioso ao Ciclo Virtuoso do Urbanismo. O caso de estudo do Plano de Pormenor das Antas, Porto

Abstract

Contemporary urbanisation features dynamics that significantly influence the performance of urban systems, adapting in various ways the interactions between local and global scales, between urbanism and architecture, as well as the articulation between planning and project. However, certain areas are stigmatised by various social and urban factors, resulting from vicious cycles of not materialised urban planning processes. In contrast, triggering a virtuous cycle through contemporary urbanism highlights the strategic and integrated importance of urban design in creating and inducing new or renewed dynamics within the urban fabric. Under the theme "Do Ciclo Vicioso ao Ciclo Virtuoso do Urbanismo", this thesis analyses relevant components of contemporary Urban Project (UP) and analyses their implementation in the Plano de Pormenor das Antas (PPA) in Porto. It explores how the PPA adds value to the historically stigmatised eastern zone of the city, establishing a new centrality. In this context, the Antas Urban Project (PUA) seeks to promote investment and urban renewal, asserting itself as an urban catalyst and promoter of the desired territorial and social cohesion. The analysis of the PPA/AUP allows for an evaluation of how this (new) centrality is achieved, through the distinctive attractiveness it produces compared to other urban areas, marked by the presence of the Dragão Stadium, a symbolic and identity relevant landmark as a unique architectural element. In order to substantiate the key concepts underpinning the proposed program for the case study, a theoretical analysis of three selected key components is initially presented, which support urban transformation and the emergence of function agglomeration in centralities, namely Intermodality, Public Space, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), particularly their contribution to anchoring functions with a polarising character. To deepen the understanding of such dynamics, three examples of urban interventions are presented: the Oriente Station in Lisbon (intermodality), Barcelona '92 (public space), and London's Docklands (PPP). These examples demonstrate how social and economic growth and development foster centrality in urban areas. Subsequently, the PPA/PUA is analysed in detail, examining its objectives, structure, implementation process, and its impact on the development of the eastern part of the city. A comprehensive and thorough analysis of the three selected components is undertaken, exploring their intentions, challenges, and outcomes in achieving the objectives of the PPA/PUA. To illustrate the catalytic effect of the PPA/PUA, three ongoing interventions in the eastern zone are presented: the Campanhã Intermodal Terminal, the Corujeira Garden/Square, and the Matadouro project. These projects are analysed to show how the PUA can trigger other urban projects in its surrounding area and contribute to broader and more cohesive urban development. In conclusion, the impact of the PPA/PUA on the development of Porto's eastern zone is highlighted, emphasising the need for a more integrated and strategic vision for urban planning. It is argued that the PUA represents an important step in the city's development, though its success depends on a combination of factors, including the active participation of all public and private stakeholders, the efficient implementation of public policies, and solutions that enable ongoing urban development. Furthermore, it is emphasised that Urban Projects have a strategic, operational, and catalytic effect, meaning they must be capable of attracting investment and optimising available resources, transforming urban territories into privileged spaces for the development of cities' collective spaces, acting in specific areas with the aim of sparking new dynamics.