In the heart of Portugal, a quiet revolution in housing and democracy is being revisited, fifty years after its inception. A recent study led by Alexandra Saraiva from Iscte – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, published in the *Vitruvio: International Journal of Architectural Technology and Sustainability* (which translates to *Vitruvius: International Journal of Architectural Technology and Sustainability*), is shedding new light on the Local Support Ambulatory Service (SAAL) interventions of the 1970s. This research is not just a historical retrospective; it’s a call to action, a beacon for future participatory architecture that could reshape urban development and community engagement.
The SAAL interventions were a bold experiment in participatory democracy, where communities had a direct say in the design and construction of their own neighborhoods. Saraiva’s research delves into the social, cultural, and historical context of these interventions, exploring their connections with critical theory and international practices. “By addressing questions concerning the current state of SAAL interventions, how residents organize their lives and activities, and the potential for participatory interventions today and in the future, we can learn valuable lessons,” Saraiva explains.
The study focuses on four key neighborhoods: Fonsecas and Calçada in Lisbon, Lapa and Maceda in Porto, and Pego Longo in Sintra. Each of these areas was transformed through SAAL interventions, creating a unique blend of social relations, built environment, participatory policies, and collective memory. Saraiva’s research provides a renewed perspective on these neighborhoods, highlighting their achievements and the fragility of the SAAL process, which was cut short before fully realizing its potential.
So, what does this mean for the future of housing and democracy? Saraiva’s research suggests that the SAAL interventions offer a blueprint for more inclusive and sustainable urban development. By empowering local communities and advocating for participatory practices, we can create neighborhoods that are not just buildings and roads, but vibrant, living ecosystems.
For the energy sector, this research could have significant commercial impacts. As cities become more sustainable, the demand for energy-efficient, community-driven housing solutions is likely to grow. Companies that can provide innovative, participatory design and construction services could find themselves at the forefront of this emerging market.
Moreover, the focus on collective memory and social relations in Saraiva’s research highlights the importance of community engagement in urban development. Energy companies that can demonstrate a commitment to these values may find themselves better positioned to win contracts and build lasting relationships with local communities.
In the end, Saraiva’s research is a reminder that the future of our cities is not just about technology and infrastructure, but about people. By learning from the past and embracing participatory practices, we can create a more inclusive, sustainable, and democratic future for all. As Saraiva puts it, “Reflecting on the fragility of the SAAL process, which was cut short before fully realizing its potential, this research aims to reassess these neighborhoods 50 years later. By revisiting its legacy, we propose to empower local communities and advocate for a more sustainable and participatory future.”