Intervenção mínima. Quando menos é suficiente

Abstract

An architectural design is not only complex, but has also become increasingly interdisciplinary. In this sense, it was considered interesting to interpret the process of reduction, not for aesthetic and formal purposes, but rather as an exercise which aims to find a balance between the various design decisions. A process which in turn minimizes the used resources and the negative impacts on the environment and still maximizes the design quality. Given that the theme of sustainability is often recurrent and promoted through the Media, the realization on how this concept could be applied in the architecture field was found to be appealing. If one of the objectives of sustainable development is the reduction of resource consumption and negative impacts on the environment, it is questioned the possibility of and how, the application of minimum intervention principles is able to express a greater environmental, social and economic awareness. Throughout this dissertation various forms of approach to the topic and research lines are outlined advocating the rational use of resources and built environment. The outcome stands up for the minimum intervention and the economy of means in rehabilitation, through study-cases of common housing with heritage values in Porto.