Compendium

When an area has seen an influx of creative people forming a new type of community, the area
evolves into a trendy destination not just for locals and tourists but as well as the people in the
art, music, fashion and design industry. Private land owners then use the rich cultural identity
and booming immigration of people and small businesses as parts of their marketing strategy in
building new real estates which not only affects the housing market but could also be damaging
to locals’ livelihood and community.
The project requires a scheme for a ceramic school located at an abandoned site at the edge of
Largo do Intendente in Lisbon’s medieval quarter, Mouraria. Complete with studios, classrooms,
workshops, common rooms, accommodation and building services, the project also has to deliver
a particular programme focusing on the teaching practice of ceramics.
The project’s aim is to respond to the gentrification of Intendente and to contribute positive social
and economic impacts particularly on education, community development and place making.
The idea is to create a centre for research and development of ceramics that promotes sustainable
process of making and encourages to form relationships within and outside the community,
in formal, informal and institutional level. The intention is to integrate the diverse cultural influences
in contemporary Lisbon through encouraging the local residents to participate in free
workshops, seminars and exhibitions. This will give an opportunity to learn ceramics through
educational and cultural exchange, building international and local relations. Thus giving us the
possibility to promote local livelihood workshops and equal opportunity amongst artists, students
and community through product sales, festivals and promotional events.
All of these can be achieved by having flexible working areas, to accommodate various types
of makers and learners in large general studios which can double as lecture spaces. The gallery
and reception are both public spaces related to the square, encouraging community engagement.
Various studios, workshops and laboratories are designed on site for different types of ceramic
practice and to avoid material contamination. Open home studios and working areas are also
designed to encourage cross-pollination within the school, allowing academics and students to
work side by side. But it also include formal and private teaching spaces exclusively for the use
of the students and academics which includes the home studios, library, students and academics
communal area, canteen and accommodation.
Largo de Intendente: “Questioning urban regeneration”
Academic Project 4 A.Y. 2015/2016 Winter
Can architecture save a neighbourhood against gentrification?