Do Tratamento à Prevenção. A Arquitetura como Determinante Social da Saúde no caso das Ilhas do Porto

Abstract

This dissertation shows the dimension of the impact that the constructive quality of the houses have on the health and well-being conditions of its inhabitants, through the case of the ilhas in the eastern zone of the city of Porto. It reflects about the role of Architecture in the intervention and requalification process of the ilhas, where it is stated that it should be multidisciplinary, in particular with the Health area. Both areas may play an active and fundamental role, increasing the possibility of more assertive solutions. Therefore, it became important to understand and identify wich are the social determinants of health related to housing, so that we can then apply that knowledge in the specific case of the ilhas of Porto and achieve a decrease in the risk factors associated. In addition to housing, emerged the desire to explore the problem of exclusion and social inequality present on the ilhas and its connection to inequalities in health. Meaning, to relate the hardship that is to have access to adequate housing to the probability of developing diseases. Through the work in the field, the contact with the reality and the testimony of its residents, it was possible to have another perception of what is happening today on the ilhas, not only from the construtive point of view, but also of issues related to health conditions. We then developed an analysis of several cases, in wich strategic pathological points of the dwelling are highlighted and identified, where the solution mechanisms of Architecture can be focused. This, so that in the process of improving the quality of housing on the ilhas, it is also possible to solve social and health problems. We believe that the rehabilitation of the ilhas works as a viable option that allows the right of the disadvantaged population to have a place in the city, and through Architecture provide people with the house they need and not the one thay can afford.