Historic Center of Porto: a landscape of transformation, Portugal

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Name	Historic Center of Porto: a landscape of transformation
Place	Porto
Country	Portugal
Author(s)	Andreia V. Quintas
Project start	enter the date of the project start
Completion	enter the date of completion
World Heritage	1996
Client	enter the client
Project costs	enter the costs (if known)
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="41.035859" lon="29.00116" zoom="9" width="400" height="300" controls="small"> </googlemap>

Rationale: Why is the case study interesting?

Please summarise:- e.g. Design Innovation? Planning Exemplar? Theoretical Insights? Lessons from its failure?

The historic center of Porto constitutes a landscape that is the result of the process of transformation and evolution that the city has passed over the years. The biophysical and constructed elements, shaped by the action of the man, and in conjugation with its livability, had created an unique landscape characterized by its unity. Always in close relation with the river and growing through the slopes, the city has managed to transform itself, responding to changes and new needs, distinguished not only by its constructed heritage but on a culture of its people.

Author's perspective

What theoretical or professional perspective do you bring to the case study? Please make a short note on your personal background

The case study is particularly interesting because it is the result of an evolution of the city, from its birth and that continues today, in constant transformation. This cultural landscape reflects the interaction between man and nature and how he was creating the city, according to their needs and desires. It is an area with its own dynamics, constantly in change. In my personal background, I find very interesting to analyze the process of evolution and how the landscape has been transformed, while assuring a strong character and identity.

Cultural landscape context

Biogeography, cultural features, overall landscape character, history and dynamics

Illustration: Map; sketches; short descriptive analyses

Socio-political context

Brief explanation of political economy, legal framework

Illustration: Bullet points, image, background notes

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