Arquitectura de intervenção. Repensando o papel social do arquitecto através de modelos alternativos de prática

Abstract

Nowadays, the economic crisis and the subsequent lack of demand in the architectural field require an adjustment of the discipline as a redefinition of the social role of the architect. Recognizing this need, this paper presents contemporary practices marked by unconventional approaches followed by a social commitment. Through the presentation of a selection of works, this paper exposes the motivations, the strategies and the thoughts inherent in an unconventional approach to the practice of architecture, focused in architects and collectives working on the Portuguese context. The case studies presented are distinguished by their(s) method(s) of work covering concepts such as participation, open-source architecture, unsolicited architecture, networking and civic action. These works bring into question the limits of the discipline through the expansion of its field of action and the establishment of a networking system with different professionals. Not forgetting the theoretical references and the historical precedents needed to frame and better understand the pratices presented, this paper puts emphasis on the working models and on the architectural strategies proposed. The goal is to find possible paths for architecture in the socio-economic context in which we live, reinventing the role of the architect.