Analysis of the evolution of typologies in the Malagueira neighborhood.

Abstract

This research was aimed to understand the evolution of Malagueira’s typologies and their variations. The urban plan for Malagueira was initiated in 1977 by the architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, for an area of 27ha and the construction of 1200 dwellings. The houses in the Malagueira neighborhood are considered an example of ingenious design. In fact, on a fixed plot of 8m×12m, very well adapted to the natural topography of the site, Álvaro Siza considered not only the possibility of a courtyard house (with outdoor space within the plot), but also the predefined expansion of the house that considers the growing needs of a family and its development. Álvaro Siza designed two basic evolutionary types, from 1 (T1) to 5 (T5) bedrooms, with a maximum of two floors and variations in the location of the uncovered patio: typology “A” with a front patio and typology “B” with a rear patio. However, in 1988, other possible variations of the predefined types were designed, through the reconfiguration and repositioning of the interior staircase. In this study we will analyze some of these variations and their evolution, as well as the feasibility of this development. Despite the basic principle of areas, the concept became quite interesting due to the adaptation to the different familial composition of the inhabitants, as well as to the volumetric variation that cancels the potential simplicity in the repetition of the different typologies. From the study carried out, we concluded that some typologies require more adaptation work (namely, changing the location of the kitchen), which could make their development more difficult or impossible. This induces some impediment at maximum densities that induces diversity.