The Agra do Amial neighbourhood is a social housing project located in Porto, Portugal. Originally, the area was mainly rural, with agricultural fields and green spaces. Over time, Porto has seen growth significant urban, and Agra do Amial has been progressively integrated into the urban fabric of the city. The neighbourhood has maintained a certain tranquility and calm atmosphere, despite of the bustle of its surroundings and proximity to a main highway.
For CAAD 2, our goal was to create an exposition that goes after the people. Understand how they live, and whether or not the design of this project facilitates community living.
Daily life in Agra do Amial is characterised by a strong sense of community, it's easy walking through its streets, witnessing the chats between neighbours who meet at the entrance or even from one balcony to another. Residents enjoy numerous local amenities, including small shops, cafes, restaurants and markets and for members of the residents' association, also a small club where you spend time in company, play cards, have a coffee.
The squares and gardens public areas offer spaces for relaxation, and schools and sports facilities contribute to socialisation. Despite this, life passes very slowly, perhaps due to the small quantity of young people who live there, and in some hours of the day silence dominates the streets. Local festivals and celebrations and religious events are important moments for the community.
Agra do Amial is well connected to the rest of Porto thanks to an efficient public transport network. Buses and subways make it easy to reach the city center and other peripheral areas. Furthermore, the proximity to important road arteries allows quick access to the main ones highways, facilitating travel both within the city and to other regions of the Portugal.
The neighbourhood of Agra do Amial continues to develop, with urban renewal and new projects constructions that aim to improve the quality of life of residents.
