Modernist Architecture of the Setúbal District

The architectural landscape of the Setúbal District — from the monumental Cristo Rei (110 m) and the 25 de Abril suspension bridge to the SAAL social housing designed by Gonçalo Byrne — reflects the key stages of 20th-century Portuguese history: the Estado Novo, the revolution, and democracy.

The SAAL process (1974–1976)

Overview

SAAL (Serviço Ambulatório de Apoio Local) was a social housing programme created after the Carnation Revolution of 25 April 1974. In 26 months, ~170 projects were developed, covering more than 40,000 families. A total of 75 neighbourhoods were built across Portugal. Architects worked in technical brigades alongside local residents.

Casal das Figueiras (Setúbal)

The only fully realised SAAL project in Setúbal.

The site on the western edge of Setúbal, at the foot of the Serra da Arrábida, had a 36% gradient. Byrne placed rows of single-family houses with interior courtyards perpendicular to the contour lines — a typology requested by the fishermen-residents. The project was exhibited at the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA).

Gonçalo Byrne

• Born 17 January 1941, Alcobaça
• Education: Lisbon School of Fine Arts (1968)
• Awards: AICA Award (1988), Valmor Award (2000), Gold Medal of the Académie d’architecture française (2000), Piranesi Prix de Rome (2014)
• Other works: Bank of Portugal headquarters, Teatro Thalia (Lisbon), Machado de Castro Museum (Coimbra)

Plano Integrado de Setúbal (PIS)

A state social housing programme initiated by the Housing Development Fund (FFH) in the early 1970s. Coordinator: architect José Charters Monteiro. Area: 600 hectares east of the historic city. The master plan was approved in May 1978. First phase: 1,458 housing units.

The key PIS project was Bairro Bela Vista (1976–1989): 45 buildings, 840 apartments in 3–5-storey blocks. In 1976, Charters Monteiro invited Aldo Rossi to design a building in Bela Vista — the project was never built but became a significant theoretical statement.

Landmark buildings

Fórum Municipal Luísa Todi

Built on the site of the Teatro Rainha D. Amélia and opened by President Américo Tomás to mark the centenary of Setúbal receiving city status. Fernando Silva also designed the Cinema São Jorge and Hotel Sheraton in Lisbon.

Auditório José Afonso

• Architect: Manuel Salgado
• Programme: Viver Setúbal — POLIS (2000–2006)
• Inauguration: November 2005
• Capacity: 2,500 spectators
• Cost: €4.3 million
• An open-air amphitheatre with a semi-submerged structure and motorised screen; mural “O Rapaz dos Pássaros” by Odeith (2014)

Cristo Rei (Almada)

Inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. Construction was approved at the bishops’ conference in Fátima on 20 April 1940 — a prayer to spare Portugal from the Second World War. Over 300,000 people attended the inauguration.

The 25 de Abril Bridge

The bridge connects Lisbon with Almada (Setúbal District). It carries the A2 motorway and the Fertagus railway line to Setúbal.

Contemporary architecture

Teatro Municipal de Almada (Teatro Azul)

• Architects: Manuel Graça Dias, Egas José Vieira, Gonçalo Afonso Dias
• Construction: 1998–2005
• Opening: 17 July 2005
• Also known as Teatro Municipal Joaquim Benite — one of the most notable works of contemporary architecture in the district

Industrial conversion

The Museu do Trabalho Michel Giacometti (1995) — the conversion of the abandoned five-storey Perienes canning factory into a museum was one of the earliest examples of industrial conversion in Portugal. In 1998 it received an honourable mention from the Council of Europe (European Museum of the Year Award).

Historic centre rehabilitation

Setúbal has been designated a priority ARU (Área de Reabilitação Urbana). In recent years, the reconstruction of historic centre buildings has intensified — harmoniously combining heritage with contemporary design.

Timeline

See also

• Social Housing and the SAAL Programme
• Multicultural Neighbourhoods
• Auditório José Afonso
• Museu do Trabalho
• The Carnation Revolution