Alexandra Alegre
Universidade de Lisboa, IST - Instituto Superior Técnico, Faculty Member
- Alexandra Alegre is assistant professor of Architecture at IST and researcher at CITUA (Center for innovation in Terr... moreAlexandra Alegre is assistant professor of Architecture at IST and researcher at CITUA (Center for innovation in Territory, Urbanism and Architecture), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa (IST-UTL), since 2000. Her research interest is in the field of Portuguese architecture, focused on the history of architecture, construction and urban history, planning and design project process, and issues related to architecture of school building, educational architecture and childhood studies of 19th and 20th centuries. On these topics, she developed studies about architectural design process and production, construction characterization, interior design, rehabilitation process and identification of material cultures of children. She holds a first degree in Architecture in 1992 from Faculdade de Arquitectura, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, after which she practiced as an architect for several years. Her Masters degree in Building Construction was completed in 1999 and her PhD in Architecture in 2009 both at the Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Portugal.edit
This paper constitutes an introduction to the special journal issue on the twentieth-century architecture for children regarded as ‘citizens of the future’ by several distinct ideologies. Four papers from different geographical areas,... more
This paper constitutes an introduction to the special journal issue on the twentieth-century architecture for children regarded as ‘citizens of the future’ by several distinct ideologies. Four papers from different geographical areas, performed at different times of the twentieth century, comprise the issue and present a rich array of political projects which nonetheless shared the belief in children and childhood as the objects for education, indoctrination, and social transformation. This introduction intends to contextualise architecture of spaces for children in a historical and theoretical perspective discussing its relations with social sciences and the recent field of childhood studies.
Research Interests:
This article deals with how a female member of the elite from the period of the Portuguese dictatorial regime (1933–1974) used Lisbon’s gardens to implement a free childhood education and assistance programme for poor children – the... more
This article deals with how a female member of the elite from the period of the Portuguese dictatorial regime (1933–1974) used Lisbon’s gardens to implement a free childhood education and assistance programme for poor children – the Children’s Parks programme. The Children’s Parks were located in some of Lisbon’s most attractive gardens, housed in pavilions that were directly connected to outdoor spaces. These spaces responded to the educational purposes of the programme, based on the importance of leisure and play activities in outdoor spaces and linked to children’s moral, social, and physical development. In considering the living conditions experienced by children within the context of the Portuguese dictatorship, and by highlighting the way in which these were reflected at the level of architecture and the urban space, the paper seeks to contribute towards an understanding of the place of the child in the history of architecture and urbanism. Besides reflecting the social and educational identity of the project, the urban and architectural settings of the programme were crucial for its success. The interpretation of this case provides a basis for reflecting on the historical and current significance of children’s spaces, and for examining a number of social, educational, architectural, and urban questions.
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Planning Perspectives on 04/2018, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/02665433.2017.1348970
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Planning Perspectives on 04/2018, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/02665433.2017.1348970
Research Interests:
Bacharel, M.; Heitor, T; Alegre, A. (2017) “SCHOOL-PLACE AS A COLLECTIVE URBAN ENTITY. The case study of Lisbon”, in PROCEEDINGS of the 11th INTERNATIONAL SPACE SYNTAX SYMPOSIUM, Lisbon, 3-7 July 2017, 43.1-43.15. ISBN: 978-972989944-7.... more
Bacharel, M.; Heitor, T; Alegre, A. (2017) “SCHOOL-PLACE AS A COLLECTIVE URBAN ENTITY. The case study of Lisbon”, in PROCEEDINGS of the 11th INTERNATIONAL SPACE SYNTAX SYMPOSIUM, Lisbon, 3-7 July 2017, 43.1-43.15. ISBN: 978-972989944-7. EID: 2-s2.0-85031088928
Research Interests:
This paper provides an overview of the school building construction process in Portugal and the influence of French and British models in its development during the 20th century. Focusing on the history and evolution of secondary school... more
This paper provides an overview of the school building construction process in Portugal and the influence of French
and British models in its development during the 20th century. Focusing on the history and evolution of secondary
school building construction in Portugal, it aims to analyse the architecture–construction relationship assuming its
relevance in the history of construction, structural design and building practice.
French and British models proved to be significant for the analysis and characterization of the Portuguese school
building process. The beaux-arts principles, Viollet-le-Duc’s rationalism and typological concerns from French
developments of the 19th century, as well as modern architecture from the 1930s, had a direct influence on Portuguese
developments. The post-war English experience in school building construction had an important impact in Portugal
in both design and production procedures from the 1960s, based on a new design methodology and the adoption of
industrialized and rationalised building production systems, effective cost and planning control procedures.
and British models in its development during the 20th century. Focusing on the history and evolution of secondary
school building construction in Portugal, it aims to analyse the architecture–construction relationship assuming its
relevance in the history of construction, structural design and building practice.
French and British models proved to be significant for the analysis and characterization of the Portuguese school
building process. The beaux-arts principles, Viollet-le-Duc’s rationalism and typological concerns from French
developments of the 19th century, as well as modern architecture from the 1930s, had a direct influence on Portuguese
developments. The post-war English experience in school building construction had an important impact in Portugal
in both design and production procedures from the 1960s, based on a new design methodology and the adoption of
industrialized and rationalised building production systems, effective cost and planning control procedures.
Research Interests:
In 2007, the Portuguese government launched the Secondary School Modernization Programme aiming at the rehabilitation of secondary education school facilities. This initiative was particularly relevant due to the importance given nowadays... more
In 2007, the Portuguese government launched the Secondary School Modernization Programme aiming at the rehabilitation of secondary education school facilities. This initiative was particularly relevant due to the importance given nowadays to the role of the school building in the educational process. The main idea is to create flexible, multifunctional, inclusive and safe spaces allowing different learning modes, for both school community and neighbourhood community after school hours. The rehabilitation of these buildings is an opportunity to discuss the rehabilitation process of historical school buildings pointing out questions about how the original classified buildings are capable of integrating new educational demands. Placed in the historical city centre, with a prominent position in the urban fabric, these buildings are recognized as relevant social and architectural landmarks. They represent a community value, contributing to the character of the places where they stand. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the conceptual strategies and the design principles adopted in the rehabilitation of historical school buildings, built at the beginning of the XX century, which are part of Portugal’s cultural heritage. The main research question focuses on the adaptive capacity of historical school buildings that showed evidence of an apparently rigid and inflexible spatial and constructive structure to integrate the programme rationale. The study cases illustrate the resolution of the mentioned problems in the rehabilitation process, while preserving architectural and constructive identity of the existing buildings.
Research Interests:
The research focuses on secondary educational schools (liceus) promoted by public initiative and built between the late 19th century and the beginning of the 1970s, in Portugal. The conception of the liceu building in Portugal is compared... more
The research focuses on secondary educational schools (liceus) promoted by public initiative and built between the late 19th century and the beginning of the 1970s, in Portugal. The conception of the liceu building in Portugal is compared with the international production of school buildings, allowing the identification of the common aspects of the two realities. The study focuses on the typological evolution of the liceu building, allowing the identification of the different spatial arrangements present in the models and its evolution, confronting them with the national context of its production. Different periods of production are identified, allowing the recognition of the programmatic, spatial, constructive and typological solutions that constitute break or continuity in the process of production. The programmatic principles and the teaching arrangements which constitute the basis of spatial conception of the school building and, particularly of the liceu building, are identified. The study recognizes the factors that are in the origin of its configuration and modelling, and also the ones that are responsible for its development and evolution. The type of school organization, the teaching methods and the hygienic and sanitary issues are identified as main factors in school building definition, and in particular, of the liceu building.
Alegre, A. (2012) Arquitectura Escolar. O Edifício Liceu em Portugal (1882-1978), Colecção Textos Universitário de Ciências Sociais e Humanas. Lisboa: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian/Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia ISBN: 978-972-31-1458-4
Alegre, A. (2012) Arquitectura Escolar. O Edifício Liceu em Portugal (1882-1978), Colecção Textos Universitário de Ciências Sociais e Humanas. Lisboa: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian/Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia ISBN: 978-972-31-1458-4
Research Interests:
Resumo: O presente artigo propõe uma análise sobre os diferentes projectos editoriais de divulgação e propaganda da actividade do Estado Novo no campo da arquitectura escolar, com partícula ênfase atribuída à acção do Secretariado de... more
Resumo: O presente artigo propõe uma análise sobre os diferentes projectos editoriais de divulgação e propaganda da actividade do Estado Novo no campo da arquitectura escolar, com partícula ênfase atribuída à acção do Secretariado de Propaganda Nacional, da Junta das Construções para o Ensino Técnico e Secundário e do Ministério das Obras Públicas (e Comunicações) neste domínio. Centra a sua análise na interpretação dos conteúdos e estratégias gráficas de um conjunto de distintas publicações produzidas em diferentes períodos, organizados com maior ou menor influência política na sua produção, e com a clara intenção de contribuir para a afirmação da capacidade de concretização do regime em diferentes domínios, atribuindo aqui particular enfâse ao campo da arquitectura e da educação. Pretende identificar os discursos ideológicos veiculados por aqueles conteúdos, bem como reflectir sobre o quadro político, educativo, social, arquitectónico e económico da sua produção. _________ Abstract: This article aims at analyzing propaganda editorial projects of Estado Novo in the domain of school architecture. Its focus relies on the Secretariado de Propaganda Nacional, the Junta das Construções para o Ensino Técnico e Secundário and the Ministério das Obras Públicas (e Comunicações) publications. The analysis scopes the content, its interpretation, and graphical strategies adopted among the different editions produced along the different periods of Estado Novo. The political influence of these materials varies according to the publication date and publisher, but a common goal along this timespan and publishers is perceived: the ability to build and produce in different ranges, emphasizing on architecture and education. The article aims at identifying the hidden ideological agenda disseminated trough such publications, while reflecting on the political, educational, social, architectural and economic framework of its production.
Research Interests:
In the 1960s, the paradigm of school architecture in Portugal shifted from a traditional to a more experimental educational approach. Maria do Carmo Matos (1935-89) played a central role in this process, since she led a team of architects... more
In the 1960s, the paradigm of school architecture in Portugal shifted from a traditional to a more experimental educational approach. Maria do Carmo Matos (1935-89) played a central role in this process, since she led a team of architects in the Department of Construction for Technical and Secondary Education (1934-69). In a men’s world, she stood out not only for her ideas on an innovative design and construction approach but also by promoting international contacts with intergovernmental organizations.
Maria do Carmo largely contributed to the pursuit of the right to education to all children with the adoption of rational procedures in school building design. A new approach was adopted to increase school construction efficacy based on a new design methodology, on industrialized and rationalised systems, and on effective cost and planning control procedures.
This paper focuses on the contribution of Maria do Carmo to the promotion of an innovative design for educational buildings. The schools constitute simple and pragmatic buildings, without any particular architectural aspirations or significant expression of modern design vocabulary. However, those schools accomplished the social aim of the modern movement, and Maria do Carmo played a crucial but mostly anonymous role.
Maria do Carmo largely contributed to the pursuit of the right to education to all children with the adoption of rational procedures in school building design. A new approach was adopted to increase school construction efficacy based on a new design methodology, on industrialized and rationalised systems, and on effective cost and planning control procedures.
This paper focuses on the contribution of Maria do Carmo to the promotion of an innovative design for educational buildings. The schools constitute simple and pragmatic buildings, without any particular architectural aspirations or significant expression of modern design vocabulary. However, those schools accomplished the social aim of the modern movement, and Maria do Carmo played a crucial but mostly anonymous role.
Research Interests:
Alegre, A. (2010) “Saúde, higiene e arquitectura Escolar. Os liceus da I República”, Catálogo da Exposição Corpo – Estado, Medicina e Sociedade no tempo da I República, Lisboa: Programa das Comemorações do Centenário da República, 2010,... more
Alegre, A. (2010) “Saúde, higiene e arquitectura Escolar. Os liceus da I República”, Catálogo da Exposição Corpo – Estado, Medicina e Sociedade no tempo da I República, Lisboa: Programa das Comemorações do Centenário da República, 2010, p. 97-109. ISBN 978-972-27-1842-4
Research Interests:
BOOK CHAPTER Alegre, A. (2015) “Mobiliário para Liceus e Escolas Técnicas: enquadramento da sua produção nos princípios da arquitectura escolar”, Mobiliário para edifícios públicos em Portugal 1934-1974, Martins. J. Paulo (coord.).... more
BOOK CHAPTER
Alegre, A. (2015) “Mobiliário para Liceus e Escolas Técnicas: enquadramento da sua produção nos princípios da arquitectura escolar”, Mobiliário para edifícios públicos em Portugal 1934-1974, Martins. J. Paulo (coord.). Lisboa: MUDE e Caleidoscópio, 2015, p. 106-113. ISBN 978-989-658-273-9
Alegre, A. (2015) “Mobiliário para Liceus e Escolas Técnicas: enquadramento da sua produção nos princípios da arquitectura escolar”, Mobiliário para edifícios públicos em Portugal 1934-1974, Martins. J. Paulo (coord.). Lisboa: MUDE e Caleidoscópio, 2015, p. 106-113. ISBN 978-989-658-273-9
Research Interests:
SESSION CHAIR Alegre, A.; Heitor, T.; Pereira, Sandra M. (2016) “Reinventing Modern Children’s Spaces and Places”, in Proceedings of the 14th International DOCOMOMO Conference, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon, 6-9 September 2016,... more
SESSION CHAIR
Alegre, A.; Heitor, T.; Pereira, Sandra M. (2016) “Reinventing Modern Children’s Spaces and Places”, in Proceedings of the 14th International DOCOMOMO Conference, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon, 6-9 September 2016, 198-201. ISBN: 978-989996450-1.
EID: 2-s2.0-84994572057
Alegre, A.; Heitor, T.; Pereira, Sandra M. (2016) “Reinventing Modern Children’s Spaces and Places”, in Proceedings of the 14th International DOCOMOMO Conference, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon, 6-9 September 2016, 198-201. ISBN: 978-989996450-1.
EID: 2-s2.0-84994572057
Research Interests:
Session Organizers/Chairs Alegre, Alexandra; Allweil, Yael. “Spaces for children as ‘citizens of the future’ in the service of 20th century political ideologies”, Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference of the EUROPEAN... more
Session Organizers/Chairs
Alegre, Alexandra; Allweil, Yael. “Spaces for children as ‘citizens of the future’ in the service of 20th century political ideologies”, Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference of the EUROPEAN ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY NETWORK, National Library of Estonia, June 13–16, Tallinn 2018. 317-318
Alegre, Alexandra; Allweil, Yael. “Spaces for children as ‘citizens of the future’ in the service of 20th century political ideologies”, Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference of the EUROPEAN ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY NETWORK, National Library of Estonia, June 13–16, Tallinn 2018. 317-318