Valley of Massarelos - Porto - Portugal

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Why is this case relevant?

In this section you briefly explain why you have selected your site/are, why it is considered heritage and what is the cultural value (max 150 words)

The Valley of Massarelos was an important place of fixation of the populations in the ancient city of Porto and a focus of development.

The presence of water allowed the fertility of the land and the existence of mills. This made it possible the settlement of the population and gave rise to a ensemble of narrow alleys and agricultural fields laid on agriculture, milling and fishing.

Due to the privileged position of the place, in thers sunny slopes facing west, were installed bigg houses of wealthy families of Porto with their terraced beautiful gardens.

Subsequently, large factories were installed, resulting today in an important industrial archeology site.

With the cultural changes that occurred in the city due to the industrialization, centralization and use of the automobile, the place went into stagnation and degradation. Due to its identity characteristics, the place wasn't able to adapt to the growth and the new demands of the population.

In nowadays, this Heritage Landscapes is threatened by the forgetfulness and abandonment by the Man and the Culture that throughout the times has shaped it and continues to shape!

Which idea of ‘design with nature’ guides the design concept of this site?

In this section you talk about the design concept of your area. Is it a highly maintained site, i.e. does the design with nature require intensive maintenance? Or does the site follow a more organic interpretation of nature? Which changes are expected if maintenance is missing?

Which challenges is this landscape facing?

Here you discuss the types of negative impact you are observing but you can also mention new functions that could give a development opportunity

What would be your strategy for improvement?

Finally, please share some ideas of how you would initiate positive change for your heritage area

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Image Gallery

View of the place of intervention for the river Douro and town of V.N. of Gaia.
View of the place of intervention for the river Douro, town of V.N. of Gaia and for Arrábida bridge.
View of the place of intervention for the river Douro, town of V.N. of Gaia and for Arrábida bridge.
Medieval alleyways (narrow streets)
Medieval alleyways (narrow streets)
Medieval alleyways (narrow streets)