This article corresponds to the main objective of the SAAL4ALL research proposal, submitted to FCT, in Portugal. At the same time as we remember and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Revolution of April 25, 1974, we propose to explore and discuss knowledge and strategies, and once again highlight the importance of Democracy for the future of these communities. It is expected that the results of SAAL4ALL can help increase knowledge and literacy in four fundamental aspects: Citizenship (social relations); Built Environment (housing and public space); Policies/Practices (participatory actions); Memory. We intend to investigate by revisiting four SAAL interventions, from a multi and interdisciplinary perspective, in different areas, including architecture, history, sociology, anthropology, among others.The study proposes a new approach to SAAL interventions, analyzing four neighborhoods, located in Portugal in different territories: 1) In Lisbon, the Bairro das Fonsecas e da Calçada, designed by the architect Hestnes Ferreira (1931-2018), a project started in October 1974 and construction in September 1976; 2) In Porto, Bairro da Lapa, by Matos Ferreira (1928-2015) project started in November 1974 and construction in April 1976; 3) Also in Porto, Bairro do Acácio, later called Bairro de Maceda, by Soutinho (1930-2013), started in October 1974 and completed after 1977; and 4) in Sintra, Bairro do Pego Longo, by Costa Cabral (b.1929), project started in August 1975 and construction in August 1977. We intend to reflect on the fragility of SAAL, in part this process was shorter than proposed: i) consequence of its short useful life; ii) due to obstacles and political opposition encountered throughout the implementation process; iii) due to the limitation of intervention areas: degraded and with precarious housing; iv) due to the inability to establish itself in the new political framework dominated by political parties (Lobato, 2019). SAAL ended up achieving almost exemplary goals, but far short of the response and housing coverage initially intended. Through a historical, social and cultural approach, the objective of this research is to analyze and illustrate the evolution of participatory architecture in Portugal and its relationship with critical thinking and international practices. Furthermore, the study intends to return to the neighborhoods and propose the participation of inhabitants in solving problems, helping to define a political brief to guarantee the continuity of these communities and their living conditions. The objective is not only to remember and celebrate SAAL’s interventions, but also to repeat the strategies of this model to promote a more promising future for these inhabitants, some of them second generation. What are SAAL interventions like today? How will inhabitants organize their lives and activities? What resources will be needed and how will they be used for housing 50 years later? What are the impacts of the proposals presented in the policy document? Will it be possible to promote participatory interventions, currently and in the future? These are some of the questions to be explored in this research project, chronologically considering 3 times: past, present and future.

Fundação Marques da Silva

Participatory architecture,Housing,Local Support Ambulatory Service (SAAL)

• Other Social Sciences - Social Sciences
• Other Humanities - Humanities