Carlos Leal
Canip Oezkul
Cláudia Costa Santos
Governing Board of the Portuguese Architects Association
In 2017 she took on a second term as chair of the North Regional Governing Board of the Portuguese Architects Association. She has seen a period of great changes in the professional life of her fellow members, from the crisis in the years of Troika’s intervention to the recent awakening of urban regneration, which implies different issues and dynamics. This, at a time when the cultural aspect of architecture continues to grow, with plenty of events that celebrate it and awards that value it nationally and internationally. But she believes that there are setbacks in the affirmation of the profession in our country.
What are the main courses of action and goals of the mandate you have taken on?
To enrich and extend the work begun in my previous mandate. A more just, solidary, cohesive, integrated association, focusing on consolidation in three areas: between the architects and a more dialogical association; between architects and society; and between architects and architecture as an economic activity to promote and care for.
The North Regional Section has recently opened a new headquarters with several assets. Are the possibilities of this building already being properly taken advantage of?
The new building is an example of best practices in conservation, rehabilitation and restoration. An important physical mark that affirms itself as a space where architects, society and companies come together, and a exceptional place for training and debate on the issues of the profession.
«The portrait of Portuguese architecture is, in general, of great quality»
There have been more and more events and exhibitions devoted to architecture. Can one speak of a cultural and entertainment dimension to this discipline?
Architecture is one of the few economic activities that has a relevant cultural dimension associated with it, which underlines the added value it brings to society and the country. Although there are those who confuse this cultural dimension with exclusivity and elitism in the use of architects, architecture will only reach its full benefit potential if it is accessible to all.
Are you against the recent decree that allows some engineers to sign off architectural projects. What harm could this lead to?
We will be faced with the degradation and ethical disengagement of interventions in the territory with regard to the quality and safety of people and buildings. Indeed, our knowledge of the consequences of these practices, as well as their irreparable effects on the territory, is recent. Faced with the challenges facing the country, this ‘blank cheque’ is incomprehensible from the political class, which at times seems to legislate to satisfy pressure groups.
Do the world awards won by some Portuguese architects reflect a country with above-average architecture, or are these award winners really an exception?
The portrait of Portuguese architecture is, in general, of great quality. Proof of this is his huge international renown. Unfortunately, it is not so well recognised in our country. It is acclaimed internally, but more as a buzzword to promote culture and tourism, rather than the everyday instrument of transformation and development.
