Climate change was highlighted in the 2021 revision of the Operational Guidelines (UNESCO 2021) and must be addressed in the property management plans of the World Heritage List (WHL) properties. Incorporating climate action considerations is now a requirement in the nomination process (Operational Guidelines 118 and 4.b (ii)). Considering the current nomination of Álvaro Siza’s works for the WHL, our aim is to identify coastal, and riverbank works facing the impact of climate change, a preliminary survey for risk prevention. Rising sea levels and stronger storms in coastal areas cause serious flooding and erosion, jeopardizing built and natural elements. Furthermore, Siza’s architectural work, first and foremost, relates to its geographical and landscape context. The substantial number of Siza’s works identified in the proximity of masses of water (oceans, seas, rivers and lakes) is notable. Using the SizaAtlas georeferenced inventory, we could file the works located in proximity to the water. Risks caused by flooding and also exposure to humidity, wind, erosion and salinity in coastal areas were assessed. Out of 168 inventoried works (101 nationally and 67 abroad) 45 are located close to the water. Of these, 22 are on coastlines (11 in Portugal, 11 abroad), while 19 are set along riverbanks (9 in Portugal, 10 abroad). Four of the works abroad are facing lakes. The geographical distribution of these works is remarkable: 20 are in Portugal, while 25 are spread across the world, reflecting the international influence of Siza’s architecture.

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Álvaro Siza Works at Risk,Climate Change,Costal and Riverbanks