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This paper explores the academic supervision of two master’s theses addressing the complex challenges and opportunities associated with the urban transformation and rehabilitation of Marvila, a historically rich yet fragmented district in Lisbon’s Eastern Zone. Marvila is a compelling case study due to its juxtaposition of industrial heritage, historical worker housing, and contemporary urban voids, divided by a significant railway infrastructure that acts as both a mobility asset and a physical barrier.
The first thesis, Living in Collective, tackled the issue of spatial fragmentation by reimagining public and semi-public spaces to foster connectivity and social interaction. Its core proposal centered on the implementation of collective courtyards within reconfigured urban blocks, integrating the cohousing model to promote collaborative living and enhance community engagement. Drawing on an analysis of historical maps, fieldwork, and community interviews, the project proposed interventions along the railway corridor between Santa Apolónia and Braço de Prata. These interventions aimed to transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, interconnected urban environments, preserving the memory of Marvila’s cohesive social fabric from previous decades.
The second thesis, (Re)Naturalization of Eastern Lisbon, adopted a complementary yet distinct perspective by focusing on the integration of green infrastructure and urban agriculture as tools for sustainable urban regeneration. This project proposed the conversion of the railway line into a surface metro to improve regional mobility while simultaneously enhancing the permeability between adjacent neighborhoods. It further envisioned the reclamation of urban voids for the creation of productive green spaces, such as urban gardens and ecological corridors. Drawing on principles of ecological urbanism and sustainability, the thesis emphasized the potential of green infrastructure to address socio-environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate adaptation, and food security.
This paper examines the role of academic supervision in bridging these two distinct yet interconnected approaches. The process of guiding these projects underscored the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue in urban research. The supervisor fostered synergies that enriched each project’s analysis and proposals by facilitating exchanges between the authors. For instance, the social focus of Living in Collective complemented the ecological emphasis of (Re)Naturalization of Eastern Lisbon, resulting in a holistic understanding of Marvila’s challenges and opportunities.
The findings from these projects highlight several critical insights. First, they demonstrate that addressing urban fragmentation requires integrated solutions that balance spatial, social, and environmental objectives. Second, the combination of historical analysis and contemporary methodologies, such as spatial analysis and participatory design, proved instrumental in developing innovative yet context-sensitive interventions. Finally, the projects underline the importance of academic and professional collaboration in generating actionable knowledge for urban planning and design.
This dual experience of supervision contributes to the broader discourse on urban transformation, offering valuable lessons for both academia and practice. It showcases how academic research can serve as a laboratory for testing innovative concepts, such as cohousing and green infrastructure, in response to the pressing challenges of urban regeneration. Furthermore, it emphasizes the potential of localized interventions to inform broader urban policies to create inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities.
Ultimately, this paper argues that interdisciplinary academic research not only enriches the theoretical understanding of urban phenomena but also provides practical tools for transforming complex urban environments. The case of Marvila serves as a microcosm of contemporary urban challenges, illustrating how localized yet integrated approaches can contribute to the broader goals of sustainable and equitable urban development.
References
Bento, P. & Martí, M. (2024) The multifaceted construction of Barcelona’s metropolitan public space. In In Santos, J., Silva, M., & Costa, A. (eds.), Towards a Metropolitan Public Space Network: Lessons, Projects and Prospects from Lisbon, London: Routledge, pp. 196–205.
Bento, P. & Louro, M. (2021) Researching on Sustainable Urban Qualification Scenarios. In Galvão, J., Brito, P., Neves, F., Craveiro, F., Almeida, H., Vasco, J., Neves, L., Mourato, R., Ribeiro, V. (eds.), Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Water Energy Food and Sustainability (ICoWEFS 2021), Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, pp. 680-690.
Gehl, J. (2010) Cities for People. Washington, DC: Island Press.
Lálá, M. (2024 Viver em Coletivo: Uma resposta à fragmentação do território em Marvila. (Master's Thesis). Lisbon: FAUL.
Lopes, H. (2024) (Re)Naturalização da zona Oriental de Lisboa. Hortas urbanas e Habitação colaborativa em Marvila. (Master's Thesis). Lisbon: FAUL.
| Keywords | Interdisciplinary research; Lisbon; Urban transformation; Green infrastructure; Cohousing |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
