You had the adhesion of many Portuguese companies? In all how many joined?
JP: We are many, but yet we have just set up the network of partnerships, but a good part of this is complete and they are relevant for this first phase. The national companies particularly important at this level are the consultancy agencies that are part of the first phases of design and we have a network that incorporates some twenty companies, but is in constant growth. From the moment we have defined an architecture project and knowledge of the needs will grow very strong network of partnerships with suppliers of material and equipment that will be crucial in the later work.
Why did you choose Reboleira street, in the riverside?
JP: We chose this building because it belongs to the City Hall of Porto. We must begin to test it and make an experiment; we wanted to combine the project with the Town Council. To be on our side and bet with us on this idea and we invited them to participate by giving us a building where we could test the validity of this project. The Board was very receptive and we define this building as a paradigmatic case. It was vacant for several years, still, no solution in sight, considered feasible and interesting from a commercial standpoint, and finally our chance to make an intervention, using an alternative model.
It is a model of housing?
JP: It is an alternative business model. We are a nonprofit project, is a social model, based on the exchange of values and not on payment of such services. A model in which everyone involved has something to gain, but not in the form of money. It is not a business concept based on profit maximization. Our strategy is to promote repopulation and boosting the economic, social and cultural side of the city and this is done through the redevelopment of housing and incubation projects.
That is, the Board will use this to restore the building housing for the poorest people in this area?
JP: We're still defining the typology of this area, we do not know exactly who will live in that building and for how long, but the goal is that we can repopulate the center through this building with new subsidized housing in a scheme that is complementary provision that exists currently in the market.
In addition to this project, there are other buildings in sight?
JP: So far only this, because this is a pilot project. We are in testing, so we have to prove that the system works and we are focused on this first project.
How long will last this first phase?
JP: It will last between one and a half years, with completion scheduled for 2014. If we find that just before the problems are all solved and everything indicates that the project is successful we think of a strategy before the end, before the deliver of the key when the building is ready. In mid-2013 if all goes well we will be thinking of a growth strategy.
In the beginning you said you have worked as an architect outside of Portugal, where you got your experience?
JP: I worked in London, Amsterdam.
You intend to set in Portugal?
JP: Yes.
It has always been a goal back to your country?
JP: No, was not in the cards, was the opportunity that arose that brought me back, the competition. I released time and dedication and now I have the opportunity to implement it and could not refuse it. It was a special prospect to contribute to the development and growth of my community.
http://www.arrebita.org/
