Urban production processes and the role of public space as a connective tissue: the case of Brandoa and Alfornelos

In the second half of the 20th century, the northern boundary of Lisbon underwent a transformation from rural to urban as a result of migratory movements from the inte- rior of the country to the coast with increasing pressure on the housing stock. It is in this context that extensive areas of informal settlements emerged, both in the city and in Lisbon Metropolitan Area (LMA). In response to both the housing shortage and the growth of informal settlements, solutions were provided through the construction of public housing neighbourhoods and also the development of private residential proj- ects. This study aims to (i) characterize the processes of growth and development of the outskirts of Lisbon, focusing on two housing developments – one, built without legal authorisation (Brandoa) and the other built through a regular process of urbanization and construction (Alfornelos) and (ii) to understand how this complex urban develop- ment process can be observed through the public realm, assessing its role in promoting urbanity. The study uses the analysis of historical cartography through its interpretative redesign, iconographic research, as well as a theoretical approach and definition of a le- gal and regulatory framework. This work is part of ‘MetroPublicNet - Building the foun- dations of a Metropolitan Public Space Network as a support for a robust, decarbonized, and cohesive city: Projects, lessons, and perspectives in Lisbon’ research project (FCT funding: PTDC/ART-DAQ/0919/2020).