Nem perpetuar nem erradicar

The ilhas of Porto are housing structures which have arisen with the industrial revolution and remain in this city with a large presence. We estimate that, nowadays, these structures accommodate around 10.000 people with low resources and precarious conditions that would not find dwelling neither on the private markets nor on social lease.  This article will dismantle a common conceptual idea:  in the interventions on these urban structures, it is more democratic and culturally interesting to avoid the urban regulation parameters and procedures, that are unavoidable in other morfo-typologies. We defend that is exactly the fulfillment of these parameters, and not so much the alleged respect to the lifestyle, the factor that allows greater fairness in the clear access to social rights. This article presents a preliminary analysis and conclusions, based on real cases in progress, that support the creation of a set of guiding principles for urban analysis on ilhas. These principles are being developed by the City Council in partnership with an academic entity and a non-profit organization. These guidelines aim to support technicians involved in the design and licensing procedures associated with the rehabilitation on ilhas. Thus, leveraging on the already existing urban centrality, these aim at guaranteeing minimal conditions of health, safety and accessibility.