About
Curatorial Text
Open House Porto 2018 is an event that every year stirs up the cities of Matosinhos, Porto and Gaia by revealing exceptional and original architecture, normally closed off to the public. The curatorial aim of this fourth edition focuses on architecture of industrial use and in those that sustain their activities, whether they are production or housing, but also with an institutional vocation, whether social or cultural, in a clear demonstration that the cities we have inherited, knew how to assimilate and bring together industry and the many uses that stimulate and mobilize them.
Abandoned buildings are opened up, others are revealed because they are renovated or revalidated with compatible and useful uses for the future, that respect memory and history, in its symbolic dimension as well as a raw material for new interventions. In between these two lines of action chosen by architects, either preserving either transforming, we offer visits to works with different approaches, as a proposal to broaden debates happening today about the transformation of cities, more and more harassed by tourism.
This edition looks to demystify and dismantle taboos about industrialization and deindustrialization present in these three cities. The 65 selected spaces are, because of that, proof of their validity and of several architectonical possibilities, current and future. So often, the leap to modernity and urbanity, to affirmation and promotion of the city, came from industrialization. It was the reason to introduce and update infrastructures and also of mobility, of vitality in identity issues or demographic growth. Today’s industries are once again stimulating for cities, attracting different housing, commercial, social and cultural uses, and other ways to revitalize so it’s important to understand and promote to ensure the city’s diversity and quality.
Mirroring today’s heterogeneity, in Matosinhos big infrastructures and working factories are promoted, at the same time as renowned modern Portuguese architecture. Reconversions of Port wine cellars and historical industrial warehouses are unveiled in Gaia along the seaside. In Porto we show a myriad of recent heritage and functional programs in different scales and preservation states: from factories to island houses, from printers to garages, from clubs to hotels, from services to top notch technologies, from palaces to industries; always affirming their grandiosity, dignity and legitimacy. In the three cities, we also open civilian and military infrastructures installed with industrialization, and that today make the metropolitan area operational every day: means of transport and communication, hospitals, barracks, a bridge or a cemetery.
Industrialization is an engine of urbanity and, when facing the disappearance of industrial remnants, it’s important to consider that many places today use new technology and computer related trends; updating the idea of what industry is and what new ways we have to make a city.
Inês Moreira e João Paulo Rapagão
Biographies
Inês Moreira (1977) – is an architect and an active curator, editor and cultural organizer. Postdoc Researcher at the Art History Institute [FCSH, NOVA] where she coordinates the cluster Curating Contemporary Cultures: on architectures, territories and networks. Currently co-editor of Jornal dos Arquitectos, the magazine of the Association of Architects. Invited Assistant Professor at FBAUP, where she teaches Contemporary Culture and Curatorial Studies. Doctor in Curatorial Knowledge by Goldsmiths College [University of London, 2014], Masters in Architecture and Urban Culture by Metropolis [UPC/CCCB, Barcelona, 2003], Graduated in Architecture [FAUP, Porto, 2001]. Main curator of the permanent exhibition at Casa da Memória de Guimarães [2014-2016], Architecture programmer for Guimarães 2012 – Culture Capital of Europe [2010-12], coordinator at the Art Institute of the Ministry of Culture [2003-2005]. Since 2001, she has been a curator and set designer of exhibitions in several countries [Portugal, Spain, France, Poland].
João Paulo Rapagão (1963) – Was born in Lisbon in 1963. He finished the Phd program on Modern Architecture and Restoration at Escola Técnica Superior de Arquitectura da Universidade de Valladolid in 1992, where today he is currently developing his thesis for a Phd in architecture. He graduated in Architecture by the Faculty of Architecture of the Technical University of Lisbon in 1988; he is Invited Assistant Professor of the Faculty of Architecture and Arts of University Lusíada, since 1997, and the Architecture Autonomous Department of University of Minho, from 2002 to 2008. He was a fellow of the Foundation for Science and Technology in 1996 and Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in 1994. He presided to the Northern Regional Council of the Association of Portuguese Architects and the Association of Architects during 1996/1998. He was part of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for the Development of Porto’s Historical Area between 2000 and 2002. He was part of juries in Public Competitions and Architecture Awards National and Regional. He has been selected for several exhibitions in Milan, Lisbon, Frankfurt, Dessau, Salamanca, Aveiro, Porto and Coimbra. He has been an active architect since 1988, especially on drafts and projects in national monuments and collective spaces. He was the scientific editor and author of the Guia de Arquitetura do Porto 1942/2017 recently published by A+A Books. When he was a child, he wanted to be an architect.
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The Event
In this 4rd edition of Open House Porto sixty five spaces will have their doors open on the weekend of 3oth June and 1st of July of 2018.
The visitors will have access to a wide program of visits, which will give them the opportunity to see and to know spaces that are not always accessible.
Besides the itinerary, and as an added extra, there are also two programs of parallel events that enable other ways to see and enjoy the spaces: the Kaleidoscope and Plus program.
The fourth edition of OPEN HOUSE PORTO is organised and produced exclusively by Casa da Arquitectura in partnership with the Municipalities of Porto, Gaia and Matosinhos.
Many other partners are connected to this event, without whom it would be impossible to offer this program of free guided tours to the public.
How It Works
During the weekend everyone is invited to get to know totally free of charge, a program with diverse spaces in their typology and from different times. Each participant can create his own itinerary to their liking, exploring the architecture and the city through new eyes.
Visit Formats
Open Visit — visit the space without being accompanied, within the opening hours
Regular Visit — visit the space with the commentary of our Open House Porto team of volunteers
Tour — visit the space accompanied by the authors of the project or by an invited specialist.
Ways of Accessing the Visits
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The access to most locations will REQUIRE NO BOOKING, ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS
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Only the spaces number nºs 12, 14, 55 and 58 require (total or partial) PRE-BOOKING/RESERVATION for their visits. Booking will be available from June 27th, at 2pm, on this website. To make a reservation, you should access the menu “Places”, Select the space you want and look for the item “Reservations”.
Caleidoscópio Program
Group of free activities produced in partnership with CASA DA ARQUITECTURA during Open House Porto, occurring in some of the spaces of the itinerary and that are intended to all types of audiences. It is the result of wanting to show other perspectives in the exploring and occupying spaces.
Detailed information on all activities of the Kaleidoscope Program, spaces where it takes place and timetables, available for consultation HERE.
Plus Program
Parallel program of free activities promoted by other entities not related to CASA DA ARQUITECTURA, whose profile and site fit into the Open House Porto spirit. Detailed information on all activities of the Plus Program, spaces where it takes place and timetables, available for consultation HERE
Other Info
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In each space, a team of volunteers will offer an Open House Porto guide and map. Subject to availability.
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The number of people per visit in each space is merely indicative. Due to high demand, and the conditions of certain spaces, the organisation cannot be responsible for any possible noncompliance.
3 There will be a free Open House Porto bus available for the visitors of the Vila Nova de Gaia’s spaces. This bus will make a circular route between every designated spot of the V. N. Gaia itinerary.
Architecture will have its doors open: so come in and be a part of this experience!