Publications
Evaluation of fatigue properties using estimation methods for puddled iron (pre-1900) and mild steel (post-1900)
Research identifies that Mitchell's, modified Mitchell's, and Manson's universal slopes methods provide the most accurate and robust estimates for predicting fatigue properties of historic metallic bridge materials—puddled iron (pre-1900) and mild steel (post-1900)—using monotonic tensile strength data. These findings are critical for assessing the structural integrity of heritage sites like Oporto's Luiz I Bridge, where experimental fatigue data is often unavailable. The study evaluated 10 estimation methods, revealing that while modified Park–Song's method performs well for puddled iron, it lacks general robustness. Conversely, modified four-point correlation and GP-symbolic regression showed poor agreement with experimental data, particularly in high- and low-cycle regimes. This work establishes reference fatigue properties for these materials, advancing conservation efforts by bridging known monotonic strength behaviors with fatigue resistance predictions.
Mapping Transnational Gentrification in the Porto Metropolitan Area (Portugal): Development and Validation of a Multidimensional Index
A multidimensional index successfully quantifies transnational gentrification in the Porto Metropolitan Area, revealing spatial clustering centered on Porto's historic core. The index, built from 16 variables including tertiary education levels, white-collar employment, foreign residents, short-term rentals, and housing rents, shows strong associations with neighbourhood deprivation, property values, tourism, and rising costs. Validated against census data, property tax records, and resident perceptions, it offers a reproducible tool for monitoring gentrification's social, environmental, and health impacts, addressing a gap in metropolitan-scale analysis.
Tourism Through the 15-Minute Lens: A Case Study of Porto
Research reveals that tourism accessibility in Porto, Portugal, is heavily concentrated in the historic center, with central parishes reaching 43% of amenities within a 15-minute walk, while peripheral areas access only 5-9%. Cycling significantly expands accessibility, making diverse attractions reachable across most neighborhoods within 10-15 minutes. The study applies the '15-minute city' framework to tourism, analyzing network-based travel times for walking, cycling, and driving using open data from Porto's 290 points of interest across eight categories. Findings highlight stark disparities in tourism accessibility, offering actionable indicators for urban planners and policymakers to diversify attractions, distribute visitor flows, and align cultural access with livability goals.
Tourism Through the 15-Minute Lens: Porto Case Study
Accessibility to tourism amenities in Porto, Portugal, is highly concentrated in the historic center, with central parishes reaching 43% of attractions within a 15-minute walk, while peripheral areas access only 5-9%. Cycling significantly expands accessibility, making diverse attractions reachable across most neighborhoods within 10-15 minutes. This study applies the 15-minute city framework to tourism, using network-based travel time analysis for walking, cycling, and driving to assess how proximity planning can shape urban tourism dynamics. By mapping 290 tourist points of interest across eight categories, researchers derived actionable indicators for policymakers to diversify attractions in underserved areas and balance visitor flows with liveability goals.
Tourism Walkability Index: A Data-Driven Tool for Tourism Urban Planning
Historic centers consistently emerge as the most walkable areas for tourists, while peripheral zones lag behind, according to a new Tourism Walkability Index (TWI). This data-driven tool, designed specifically for tourist mobility, reveals micro-scale contrasts in urban environments that broader neighborhood metrics often obscure. The TWI integrates accessibility to cultural points of interest, public transport systems, and comfort conditions shaped by infrastructure and environmental quality. Applied across four northern Portuguese cities—Porto, Braga, Guimarães, and Vila Real—the index demonstrates its robustness using open data alone, offering actionable insights for tourism planning and sustainable mobility management.
A Capela de Nossa Senhora das Verdades — A recuperação integral do espaço. O retábulo, esplendor e glória
A comprehensive restoration of the Capela de Nossa Senhora das Verdades, a historic chapel within Porto’s UNESCO-listed centre, has transformed it into a functional Pilgrim Reception Centre. This 17th-century structure, long neglected and closed to worship, underwent structural and artistic rehabilitation as part of a broader initiative to revitalize the Portuguese Coastal Way of the Camino de Santiago. The restoration not only preserved its architectural integrity but also contextualized its altarpiece within Porto’s 17th- and 18th-century carving traditions, shedding light on the period's artistic practices and contributing to the understanding of local artists. Funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Norte 2020, this project exemplifies the integration of cultural heritage preservation with modern pilgrimage infrastructure.
Digital Approach to Slow Fashion
A mobile app, 'I finded,' is designed to map and promote second-hand clothing stores within Porto's historic center, addressing the environmental impact of the fashion industry. The app aims to make sustainable shopping more accessible by providing consistent store information, including summaries, images, style descriptions, customer reviews, locations, and contact details. Developed through a master's thesis at the University of Porto in 2023, the project employed research methods such as questionnaires, interviews, visual analysis, and observation, with a focus on inclusivity, diversity, and usability. Two test cases, 'Kilo' and 'Com Sotaque,' showcased unique aesthetics within the second-hand market. The app represents a step toward integrating sustainability into design and encouraging eco-conscious consumer behavior, with potential for future collaborations to bring it to life.
Sustainable tourism and World Heritage site: A case study of the historic centre of Porto
Rising tourism and real estate speculation in Porto, Portugal, following its 1996 UNESCO World Heritage designation, are significantly altering the city's urban heritage and social fabric. A study reveals that while new constructions preserving only facades create 'points of memory' for visitors, they violate heritage integrity. The 'golden visa' program has further transformed the historic center into a hub of short-term accommodations, displacing locals and creating a sense of insecurity among residents. Experts argue that visitor numbers are already excessive, threatening Porto's Outstanding Universal Value. Through on-field interviews, social surveys, roundtable discussions with scholars, and consultations with governmental representatives, the research explores sustainable tourism strategies to ensure visitors contribute positively to local heritage while preserving its authenticity.
Urban crime and environmental triggers: A five-year analysis of reported offences in Porto's historic centre
A five-year analysis of reported offenses in Porto's historic center reveals that crime, particularly theft, is more prevalent during warmer months (spring and summer) and decreases with rainfall. The study found an inverted U-shaped relationship between temperature and overall criminality, indicating that moderate temperatures may contribute to higher crime rates. While crimes against property were significantly more frequent than those against people, seasonal variations and weather conditions emerged as critical environmental triggers influencing urban safety in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This research underscores the complex interplay between climate, urban environments, and criminal behavior, offering insights for sustainable city planning.
A Carta de Património Arqueológico do PDM do Porto Possibilidades e limites de uma cartografia da memória e mutabilidade da cidade. Parte II – Para além do Centro Histórico
Archaeological remains beyond Porto's Historic Centre reveal diverse inhabiting strategies over time, offering valuable insights for urban revitalization and social development. This study, the second part of a series, maps these vestiges within the Municipal Master Plan, highlighting their cultural significance and potential to deepen the city's temporal depth. By analyzing spatial distribution and mutability, researchers demonstrate how such cartography can serve as a resource for understanding Porto's transformations and enhancing its memory.
Fostering a Better Spatial Distribution of Tourism: Using Geotagged Photos to Shape the Coopetition Network
A significant imbalance in tourist distribution within Porto's historic center, Luiz I Bridge, and Monastery of Serra do Pilar was identified using geotagged photos from Flickr (n=152,312) spanning 2010–2022. The analysis revealed overconcentration of visitors, accommodations, and attractions in the historic core, despite its UNESCO World Heritage status. Researchers propose a coopetition network—combining cooperation and competition among stakeholders—to redistribute tourism activity more evenly, benefiting Destination Management Organizations (DMOs). The study employed GIS mapping and a heuristic five-day threshold to distinguish residents from visitors, offering actionable insights for sustainable tourism planning.
Residents’ Perceptions about Tourism Development: A Comparative Analysis of Selected Locations in the North of Portugal
Residents of northern Portugal's historic and natural sites generally support tourism despite concerns over its negative impacts. A comparative study of Porto, Guimarães, and Peneda-Gerês National Park revealed that while tourism brings economic benefits, it also triggers antagonistic feelings due to overcrowding, cultural changes, and infrastructure strain in smaller town centers and natural areas. The research used a questionnaire-based survey to assess residents' perceptions, highlighting the complex relationship between tourism development and local communities.
The Impact of Pollution on Cultural Heritage in the Historic Centre of Porto, Portugal
Pollution significantly accelerates the deterioration of stone facades in Porto's historic center, particularly in high-traffic areas. A study comparing three churches—Carmelitas, São João Novo, and Vitória—revealed that Carmelitas Church, located in a busier part of the city, exhibited far more severe damage due to direct exposure to pollutants. The research employed an anomalies survey using photographic records, adapting a methodology originally developed for Carmo Church in Olinda, Pernambuco. This approach allowed for the assessment of pollution effects over time while contextualizing the structural and material characteristics of each case study. The findings underscore the urgent need for mitigation measures, aligning with Porto's existing climate change adaptation initiatives as part of the Portuguese Camino to Santiago.
Cultura e desenvolvimento urbano no Porto: variações de discursos e de práticas na política municipal recente da cidade.
Porto's cultural and urban development policies have evolved significantly since its historic center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, demonstrating how culture can serve as a strategic driver for urban transformation. The study reveals that Porto has undergone three distinct governance styles over the past two decades, each influencing its approach to cultural heritage management and urban policy. These shifts are evident in political agendas, projects, and achievements, which highlight the interplay between discourse and practice in shaping municipal strategies. By analyzing variations in governance styles, the research underscores how cultural policies can be both a reflection of broader urban development goals and a catalyst for change.
Direct and Indirect Victims of Urban Crime in the Historic Centre of Porto (Portugal): Prevalence, Dynamics and Associated Variables
In the Historic Centre of Porto, nearly 4 out of 10 residents (38.1%) reported experiencing urban crime, with indirect victimization (29.0%) more common than direct (17.7%). Robbery, theft, and physical assaults dominated, primarily occurring at night on streets. While most victims sought police support, satisfaction with authorities was low. The study, involving 554 participants through face-to-face surveys, linked victimization to sociodemographic, criminal, environmental, social control, and community variables, revealing complex dynamics shaping urban security in this UNESCO-listed area.
Dissensos em torno das margens e centros: planeamento urbano e contestação na zona oriental do Porto
Urban identity in Porto is not solely defined by centrality but also emerges from marginal and non-dominant spaces, challenging traditional notions of core/periphery. This study reveals that while the local government associates Porto's historic center as a reference for urban identity, 'creative class' professionals perceive identity formation in the margins, particularly in the eastern Bonfim area. The research analyzed urban planning documents and conducted semi-direct interviews to explore how centrality/marginality is strategically mobilized in urban planning, reflecting broader global intercity competition dynamics.
How Do Hospitality Workers Perceive Their Work Skills before and after the Lockdown Imposed by the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Hospitality workers in Porto's historic center demonstrated increased confidence in their soft skills—such as teamwork, interpersonal relationships, and adaptability—following the COVID-19 lockdown, likely due to remote work demands. However, they also recognized a greater need to develop these skills, particularly soft ones like flexibility, while still prioritizing hard skills such as linguistic and digital competencies for improvement. The study, comparing worker perceptions in April 2020 and April 2022, highlights the pandemic's role in reshaping skill development needs, offering actionable insights for human resources management in the hospitality sector.
Predicting Frequent and Feared Crime Typologies: Individual and Social/Environmental Variables, and Incivilities
A study on the Historic Centre of Porto, Luiz I Bridge, and Monastery of Serra do Pilar reveals that crime against property is the most frequent, while crime against people is the most feared. Age significantly predicts both frequent and feared crimes, whereas sex influences only the latter. Social/environmental factors and incivilities also play a predictive role in both crime typologies. The research used data from 554 residents to analyze these variables through the Diagnosis of Local Security (DLS) Questionnaire, offering insights for reducing fear of crime and guiding future investigations.
Satisfaction with the Police: Perceptions and Related Variables from an Urban Community Sample
A study in Porto's Historic Centre reveals that community satisfaction with police performance is primarily driven by perceptions of rising criminality and the belief that security measures need improvement. While residents generally approve of police efforts to ensure safety, dissatisfaction correlates with personal victimization experiences and environmental factors such as perceived incivilities. Sociodemographic variables like length of residency or attachment to the area did not influence satisfaction levels. The research highlights critical areas for intervention to strengthen community-police relations and enhance security perceptions in urban heritage contexts.
An Application of the Walkability Index for Elderly Health—WIEH. The Case of the UNESCO Historic Centre of Porto, Portugal
A study applying the Walkability Index for Elderly Health (WIEH) to Porto's historic center reveals that only a few paths are strongly suited for older adults, with steep slopes significantly hindering pedestrian network quality. The research builds on prior work by validating WIEH, which assesses public spaces and walkability based on criteria relevant to elderly health. By analyzing the UNESCO-listed area, the study highlights the impact of urban design on accessibility and mobility for aging populations, emphasizing the need for interventions to improve walkability in historic contexts.
Analysing urban mobility in ageing populations: the case of two Portuguese historic centres
Urban mobility challenges for the elderly in historic centres, such as Porto and Lisbon, reveal significant barriers to pedestrian movement and public transport accessibility. The study identifies key factors that hinder or motivate older residents' and tourists' use of walking and public transit, providing critical insights for designing more inclusive and sustainable cities. By conducting surveys in two UNESCO-listed Portuguese historic areas, researchers pinpointed restrictions tied to infrastructure, social dynamics, and urban planning, offering actionable data for policymakers aiming to balance heritage preservation with accessibility needs.
Do you Feel Safe in the Urban Space? From Perceptions to Associated Variables
Approximately one in five visitors to the Historic Centre of Porto (HCP) report feelings of insecurity, primarily due to concerns about robbery and theft. These perceptions are influenced by factors such as nationality, education level, criminal activity awareness, policing adequacy, satisfaction with law enforcement, and the duration of time spent in the area—whether for living, studying, or working. The study, based on responses from 554 participants, identified robbery, theft, and drug trafficking as the most common crimes perceived by visitors, while incivilities also contributed to a sense of unease. To address these concerns, the research suggests targeted measures that could enhance security perceptions in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Feeling a historic city: Porto landscape through the eyes of residents and visitors
Residents and visitors to Porto's historic center perceive the urban landscape differently, with residents prioritizing heritage conservation and transport mobility, while visitors focus more on pedestrian mobility and aesthetic quality. This study highlights the significance of considering diverse stakeholder perspectives in urban landscape management, offering valuable insights for local authorities. Using a survey applied in Porto's city center, researchers employed Cronbach’s alpha to assess reliability and the Mann-Whitney test to identify significant differences between resident and visitor perceptions. The findings underscore residents' strong sense of place and concern for historical heritage, contrasting with visitors' tourism-oriented priorities.
Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) for Tourism Development in the Historic Centre of Porto (Portugal)
A study on the Historic Centre of Porto, Luiz I Bridge, and Monastery of Serra do Pilar identifies critical limits for sustainable tourism development by analyzing local perceptions. It reveals that resident populations experience significant tourism impacts, necessitating their active involvement in shaping local policies to ensure acceptable changes. The research employs a qualitative approach with three focus groups, engaging stakeholders to define these limits using the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) method. This participatory planning strategy aims to support sustainable development while balancing diverse stakeholder interests.
Numerical investigation on the fatigue life of non‐cracked metallic plates repaired with bonded CFRP
A numerical investigation reveals that bonding carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) to non-cracked metallic plates can significantly extend their fatigue life, offering a promising solution for aging riveted bridges. The study used nonlinear finite element analysis in ABAQUS to simulate the cyclic elasto-plastic behavior and fatigue strain life of puddle iron from the Luiz I Bridge in Porto, Portugal. By modeling debonding failure with a cohesive zone model calibrated through fracture mechanics tests, researchers estimated fatigue crack initiation life using a local approach based on material fatigue strain life. The findings demonstrate that CFRP reinforcement can substantially enhance the fatigue resistance of metallic structural components, even in the absence of pre-existing cracks.
Temporal Variability of Theft Types in the Historic Centre of Porto
A study of theft patterns in Porto's Historic Centre reveals that thefts are more prevalent at night and less frequent during winter, aligning with routine activity theory. The research analyzed official police records to explore temporal and seasonal variations across different theft types, finding significant differences in occurrence times but not uniformly for all theft categories. This first-of-its-kind case study in Porto highlights the importance of time-based analysis for designing prevention strategies and informs future criminal time studies.
“Portucalem Castrum Novum” entre o Mediterrâneo e o Atlântico: o estudo dos materiais cerâmicos alto-medievais do arqueossítio da rua de D. Hugo, nº. 5 (Porto)
A new archaeological study of the historic centre of Porto, within the UNESCO-listed 'Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar,' reveals significant insights into the ceramic material culture of Early Medieval Portucale. Analyzing coarse ware from the archaeological site at Rua de D. Hugo, No. 5, researchers identified distinct ceramic assemblages that highlight cultural exchanges between Mediterranean and Atlantic regions during this period. The study employed a systematic classification methodology to examine these materials, providing preliminary evidence of cross-regional influences in high medieval Porto. This research contributes to understanding the urban development and transregional connections of Portucale during its formative years.
Ambient Assisted Living - The Case of Porto Historic Centre
A significant portion of the global population now consists of older adults, necessitating urban environments that adapt to their needs without compromising historical integrity. This study reveals that the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic Centre of Porto faces persistent challenges in achieving this balance, despite its recognition for cultural significance. The research employs a systematic theoretical approach to explore Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) principles—aiming to foster inclusivity and accessibility—while analyzing policies, guidelines, and practical implementations. Findings underscore the tension between preserving heritage value and meeting modern accessibility standards, particularly for vulnerable communities like the elderly. This work lays groundwork for future scientific inquiry into AAL solutions applicable not only to Porto but also across Portuguese cities.
Continuous Dynamic Monitoring of Human-Induced Vibrations at the Luiz I Bridge
Human-induced vibrations on Porto's Luiz I Bridge, a UNESCO-listed structure, are significantly exceeding comfort thresholds. Continuous dynamic monitoring since 2014 reveals high lateral vibrations during St. John festivities and vertical vibrations from athletic races, both linked to pedestrian-structure interaction phenomena like lock-in. These findings align with user-reported discomfort, underscoring the need for mitigation strategies. The study employed advanced monitoring systems installed by the University of Porto's Faculty of Engineering, providing quantitative data on vibration levels across both bridge decks.
How Residentes Perceive the Impacts of Tourism. The Case of the Historic Centre of Porto
Residents of Porto perceive tourism growth as harmonious with the city, particularly highlighting its socio-cultural benefits. A survey of 322 professionals and residents revealed that tourism development is viewed positively, with the socio-cultural component being the most significant factor in this perception. The study also suggests that place of residence or professional activity does not significantly alter this positive outlook, indicating a broad consensus on tourism's role in enhancing Porto's Historic Centre. This research provides insights into how local perceptions can shape sustainable urban development in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Packaging Oporto: hypercommodification of its city centre?
Oporto's historic city centre, including the UNESCO-listed Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar, has undergone rapid socio-economic transformation driven by tourism, leading to hypercommodification and gentrification. This study reveals how city officials leveraged tourism to regenerate the area while exacerbating housing market pressures, reducing accessibility for locals and newcomers. The research, based on PhD thesis data (2008-2012) and updated in 2019, employed non-intrusive space observation and qualitative analysis of interviews and documents. It highlights a global trend where historic centres face the challenge of balancing heritage preservation with socio-economic transformation, raising questions about sustainable urban development in metropolitan areas.
Whose right to the city? An analysis of the mediatized politics of place surrounding alojamento local issues in Lisbon and Porto
A 'rights in the city' approach better captures the complex tensions and conflicts arising from short-term vacation rentals (alojamento local) in Lisbon and Porto, revealing diverse and often conflicting rights claims among stakeholders. The study analyzes interconnected discursive practices—legislation, media coverage, and social media—to demonstrate how regeneration, gentrification, and touristification reshape historic neighborhoods. Unlike Lefebvre’s 'right to the city,' which frames justice and inclusion, this approach highlights overlapping yet contradictory stakeholder interests, offering deeper insight into urban transformations in UNESCO-listed heritage sites.
Urban Tourist Motivations in the City of Porto
Over half of tourists visiting Porto are primarily motivated by its cultural and gastronomic appeal, with hedonic consumption driving their choices. This insight emerges from a study that systematically identified and prioritized key pull factors influencing tourist behavior in the historic center of Porto using the Analytical Hierarchy Process method. The research addresses a gap in understanding Porto's growing importance as a European tourist destination by analyzing surveys conducted non-intrusively, offering valuable guidance for tourism professionals aiming to craft authentic experiences that leverage Porto's unique cultural and culinary heritage.
UNESCO’s Historic Centre of Porto: Rehabilitation and Sustainability
Porto's Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, has successfully undergone rehabilitation and sustainability efforts led by Porto Vivo – SRU. This initiative balances heritage preservation with environmental and social considerations, focusing on enhancing urban functions, contemporary comfort, and mobility while minimizing energy impact. The approach integrates cultural identity, health, and lifestyle improvements, demonstrating a model for sustainable urban development that can be replicated globally.
Mapping the Intangibilities of the Historic Centre of Porto: ParticipA(C)TION (and its Challenges) in Cultural Mapping Projects
Cultural mapping projects can successfully operationalize deep participation when agents negotiate its meaning and stakes, leading to meaningful urban development outcomes. This study analyzes the 'Manobras no Porto' project, demonstrating that genuine participation—beyond mere consultation—requires diverse motivations and skills from stakeholders. The research highlights the complexity of participatory processes in cultural mapping, emphasizing their role as exercises of negotiation between involved parties. By examining this Portuguese case, the study contributes to theoretical debates on governance, urban development, and the practical implementation of participatory cultural strategies.
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