A evolucao das formas urbanas de Lisboa e do Porto nos seculos XIX e XX

摘要

The study of urban form from a historical standpoint contains many little-explored aspects, especially relating to the use of graphic representations as a source of information and method of analysis. Vitor Oliveira's book makes a major contribution to rectifying this deficiency by the method he adopts and the excellent review of the literature on the evolution of urban form that he provides. Starting with two examples - Lisbon and Porto, two major Portuguese cities - Oliveira creates a basis for discussing the theories and scope for exploring the evolution of urban form. Moreover, he uses a new, almost unknown, method: cartography redrawn. In this light he questions the importance of cartography and iconography as sources for urban form study, and proposes to 'redesign' the cartographic source as a method for examining urban form. Important topics are discussed that are given little insight in other academic fields. By highlighting urban form as an object indispensable for urban planning the author opens a new perspective for urban study.