Title: Tomorrow or the natural order of things: a study for a possible gentrification of the 'villas operárias' in Lisbon

Authors: Cristina Caramelo Gomes; Margarida Rendeiro

Addresses: Lusíada University of Lisbon, Rua da Junqueira, 188 a 198, 1349-001 Lisbon, Portugal ' Lusíada University of Lisbon, Rua da Junqueira, 188 a 198, 1349-001 Lisbon, Portugal

Abstract: This article is an exploratory work, with the aim of introducing the research the authors have carried out on gentrification of the traditional workers' villages in Lisbon as a way to tackle some of the major problems that the city faces at the beginning of the third millennium. First, we describe Lisbon briefly. Afterwards, we introduce the concepts of gentrification and villas operárias. The aim is to show that they have been part of the culture of the capital and pinpoint several examples in consecrated Portuguese literature and cinema since the early years of the 20th century. The design of the villas operárias strengthens the sense of community and the sense of belonging. At a time of historical rehabilitation of urban spaces, (re)creating spaces with their own identity is crucial to enhance the dynamics of the city.

Keywords: gentrification; villas operárias; pátios; sustainable society; Lisbon; Portugal; sense of community; sense of identity; sense of belonging; elderly; traditional villages; workers villages; culture; sustainable development; sustainability; historical rehabilitation; urban spaces; cultural heritage.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2015.068068

International Journal of Sustainable Society, 2015 Vol.7 No.1, pp.67 - 85

Published online: 31 Mar 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article