Urban rehabilitation based on uses and social diversity: A case study in Porto, Portugal

Abstract

Many historical cities present the difficult challenge to maintain at the same time its built heritage and its living values, two valences that, together, represent their essence. The intense tourist demand of accommodation is the main cause to the imbalance verified between these valences, which manifests in numerous urban rehabilitation interventions currently carried out in downtown Porto, the second biggest city in Portugal. This problem leads to results such as gentrification, social exclusion, and also the transformation of buildings into housing that does not fit the “inhabitants” way of living or their needs because they are not thought of in this way. An exponential investment in tourist accommodation and revitalization of the image of the historic center, without a parallel investment in housing and equipment dedicated to serve the local population is the general thought observed. In this paper is proposed a strategy for urban rehabilitation based on occupancy diversity, both in use and social aspects. With the integration of a flexible and adapted strategy, the objective is to prevent social exclusion and gentrification, at the same time requalifying the historical center and providing access to it for all, creating a balance between the built and the intangible heritage.