The study of canned sardines reveals multiple architectural connections between ports, cities and factories throughout the Atlantic. By looking at a single can, a large network of built practices becomes apparent. This analysis focuses on the city of Matosinhos, a place where the Atlantic upwelling provides a favorable environment for pelagic fish such as sardines. Matosinhos, as a case study, brings together an array of ideas, from the links between natural environments of fish species and hydrographic dynamics to contemporary urban design practices and Alvaro Siza’s reminiscences of the city of his youth.

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Fishing architecture,Canned fish,Urbanization,Industrialization