Valley of Massarelos - Porto - Portugal

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Why is this case relevant?

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 their sunny slopes facing west, were installed big 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?

The design concept of this site was created by the same process that reflects the landscape concept: Man + Nature! According to Caldeira Cabral (Great Master of Landscape Architecture in Portugal), the landscape is the "set of conditions of existence of the biocenosis of which man is a part". In this way, the landscape evolves with the needs of man and this relation of biocenosis. It was in this relationship that the Vale de Massarelos developed. Man has always sought land for agriculture, better than this, was if this land have a motive power, like a water course, which due their topography allow the installation of mills to milling cereals produced locally and make bread. The Valley of Massarelos had all this! The heritage landscape of Massarelos Valley, has being shaped based in this logic process. The apparent abandonment and lack of interest that seems manifested in nowadays in relation to this place, continues to result from the Cultural interaction of Man and is place. It result of general people perception that today, the everyday experiences, don't coexist with the potentialities of the local. For that reason, this a completely cultural place, which depends on human interaction and maintenance. If it falls into oblivion, and isn't maintained, the degradation will be accentuate which will possible lead to total loss of the existing heritage. In fact, this has already been observed in respect to the ruins of mills that have now disappeared almost entirely.

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 (Author: Daniela Santos, 2018)
View of the place of intervention for the river Douro, town of V.N. of Gaia and for Arrábida bridge (Author: Daniela Santos, 2018)
View of the place of intervention for the river Douro, town of V.N. of Gaia and for Arrábida bridge (Author: Daniela Santos, 2018)
Medieval alleyways (narrow streets) (Author: Daniela Santos, 2018)
Medieval alleyways (narrow streets) (Author: Daniela Santos, 2018)
Medieval alleyways (narrow streets)(Author: Daniela Santos, 2018)