‘MODERNIST ARCHITECTURAL dictatorship’ is just one unflattering description given by Lisbon council members to a building project for Lisbon’s historic Largo do Rato.
The controversial residential and office project developed by two well-known Lisbon architects with an international profile, Frederico Valsassina and Manuel Mateus Aires, has been refused a planning permission licence on the grounds that the building does not ‘fit harmoniously in’ with the largely 18th century character of the famous Lisbon square.
The projected building, which is ultra-modern with clean rectangular lines, is surrounded by historic buildings including parts of the Baroque Mãe d’Água water reservoir and museum, an 18th century palace which now houses the PS party headquarters, a parade of late 19th century shops and cafés including the famous Papelaria Fernandes and Fabrico Real café and a Valmor prize-winning turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau mansion.
Now the architects say they will sue the Câmara for compensation because the project was approved in 2005 by the former Lisbon Mayor, Carmona Rodrigues, executive.
The Lisbon council members say they will not now “allow a building of such grand proportions” in Largo do Rato between Rua Alexandre Herculano and Rua do Salitre.
According to the council members, the building would “completely drown out” the other surrounding buildings because of its dimensions.
Câmara President António Costa has used this precise argument to try and convince council members to approve the planning permission license.
Other council members argue that the current urban development laws in force do not allow for a 21-metre high building to be constructed in the historic centre of Lisbon, particularly since the project has generated a 3,780 signature petition against it.
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