Architectural Regeneration Through Public Education in Portugal

Abstract

The architectural regeneration of historic school buildings in Portugal clearly illustrates how different architects may use the core principles of architectural regeneration to successfully adapt schools to meet twenty‐first century educational requirements. The liceus are purpose‐designed secondary schools, built from the late nineteenth century up until the democratic revolution in 1974. The significance of early liceus is reflected in their monumental mass and façade design. As educational practices change, so are these buildings required to adapt. As in the case of new architectural design, there was no single way to do this and architects favoured different approaches. This case study shows that, despite this variety, the awareness of the existing building values and conservation principles in each case generated a greater desire to act ethically and consider cultural and social sustainability.