MASTER’S THESIS

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, LUND UNIVERSITY
SUPERVISOR: ANDREEA MARCU
EXAMINER: JESPER MAGNUSSON

In response to Loures Municipal Council’s proposal for redeveloping the Vila Valente Quarter of Moscavide, an area in urgent need of intervention, by demolishing, starting from scratch, and relocating its vulnerable residents, this thesis challenges our responsibilities as architects when it comes to community development, especially with respect to the marginalised in society. 

We understand that in Henri Lefebvre’s ‘conceived space’ an architect’s work consists of abstract concepts and exclusive codes.  Its products are the objects of traditional architecture, reinforcing the very concepts used time and again in planning and development.  In contrast, Lefebvre’s ‘lived space’ is about the collective experience of people and is characterised by users’ engagement and experience on site. 

The lived space can be characterised by the constant changes and evolutions in everyday spaces and creates places that feel alive and have a strong spirit of place.  In traditional architectural methods, these two spaces are often considered as two separate entities.  The manifesto, a product of this study, looks at ways in which design, construction, and use can consider the conceived and lived spaces simultaneously, to create a dynamic process including the physical and the social realms so that redevelopment can take place while also preserving the spirit of place.

Excerpt from Jesper Magnusson, examiner’s final comments: “… The thesis is very rich, well-written and impressively illustrated. The thesis contains material, ideas and methodologies for you, and others, to work further on for years to come – important work. … There is a need for skilled professionals to raise questions on how we – urbanists and architects, as well as politicians – strategically approach the spatial/material living conditions of marginalised groups in urban development and planning processes. The strength in your work is that you are not only questioning the prevailing circumstances but also suggesting alternative directions, based on human integrity, rights and equality for all. … As you know by now, we only use pass or fail to grade the achievements of the students in this school, but if I could, I would have added something like “excellence” to your grade. The thesis is a comprehensive and interesting work, and it is amazing that you have managed to complete it in this limited time. …”