Higiene e Desenvolvimento Urbano: O Porto na transição entre os séculos XIX e XX

Abstract

This thesis aims to evidence the importance of hygiene in urban development, and also to highlight the repercussions that arose in regard to architectural works, mainly those of a public nature. An analysis of a specific time period was conducted throughout this essay, originally focusing on the study of an industrialised city, while mentioning its effects on the lives of people, the city's urban fabric and its resulting consequences. Furthermore, the city of Paris was used as a reference for a comparative study with the city of Porto, as well as theories of other pioneers of the "underground urbanism" (e.g. Pierre Patte, Georges-Eugène Haussmann, Eugène Belgrand, Eugène Hénard, et al). In addition, both cities' topographical issues were equally taken into consideration. To understand better the city of Porto during its transition between the second half of the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century, an analysis was performed of the period's social and political matters, including the outcome of sanitary evolution and the constraints imposed on improving hygiene. It is made known through Ricardo Jorge's work Porto's real panorama, regarding its last bubonic plague incident and the fundamental keys to good public health. The discovery of bacteriology provided another insight into water quality, with drinking water and sewage being the two main requirements to healthiness. Both led to the creation and/or improvement of public facilities. Public wash tubs (combined with an innovative system of tanks and a constant renewal of water that prevents its contamination), showers, latrines and urinals which can be found throughout the city in the form of metal structures or pavilions, are some of the public facilities that raised healthiness through improved water and plumbing and are thoroughly discussed in last part of this essay. It is also highlighted the importance of great city planning as a means for a controlled and balanced growth.