Design at the Service of the Collective: The Malagueira Neighbourhood (1977–1993) Mapping Fragments of Architectural Design Theory Through Its Corpus of Tacit Knowledge

Abstract

The Malagueira social housing project (1977-1993) by Álvaro Siza is a seminal work in urban design and public space planning, balancing collective and individual needs. The integration of informal settlements into Évora’s urban fabric required careful negotiation of conflicting interests, documented in an extensive analogue archive. This research examines Siza’s conceptual process through his drawings and notes, highlighting his engagement with residents and his commitment to social responsibility. Employing a cross-methodological approach inspired by Deleuze and Guattari, the study maps his design thinking through diagrammatic analysis. By re-evaluating Malagueira’s socio-political significance, this research provides insights into urban design, authorship, and the collaborative nature of architecture, emphasising democratic dialogue and the evolving role of the architect.

Keywords: Álvaro Siza social housing, architectural drawing, tacit knowledge