A Pesca do Bacalhau e a Estrutura Urbana de Vila do Conde (1936-1976)

Abstract

This dissertation examines the impact of cod fishing on the urban structure of Vila do Conde between 1936 and 1976, through an approach that integrates documentary, cartographic, and statistical analysis. The redrawing of historical maps, together with the integration of statistical data, made it possible to highlight the transformations in the urban fabric of Vila do Conde and to demonstrate that the development of the area was, in part, shaped by the logistical and functional demands of fishing activity. This approach also allowed for the spatial representation of fishing pressure on the settlement. The idea of an architecture shaped by cod fishing is proposed as an interpretive framework that goes beyond the material form of buildings, encompassing practices, processes, and adaptations that emerge from the interaction between the urban settlement and the sea. The study focuses on the key agents of cod fishing-the fishermen and their families-and cross-references this data with the fishing campaigns of the period. This allows the identification of participation patterns and socioeconomic disparities and contributes to understanding Vila do Conde's strategic role in the international fishing network, particularly in the Newfoundland and Greenland banks. The dissertation argues that cod fishing acted as a transformative force in the urban landscape, with economic and social impacts that are still evident today. It contributes to broader reflection on the connections between economic activity and spatial organization, demonstrating the value of a multidisciplinary approach to understanding urban transformation.