Eduardo Souto de Moura - Tapa dura

Among contemporary Portuguese architects there is a large group whose members, while trained or influenced by Alvaro Siza, have embarked on an independent line of common research; one of these is Eduardo Souto de Moura (b.1952). This monograph presents the designer who has combined great attention to the 'principle of settlement' with a respect for local architecture, expressed through the use of natural materials. Souto de Moura transforms the figurative elements of classical architecture using a modern sensibility. A minimalist approach and the discreet use of local materials are the essential components of his activity. Among his best known projects: the Municipal Market in Braga (1980-84), the cultural centre for the S.E.C. at Oporto (1981-91), houses at Miramar (1987-91) and Alcanena (1987-92), the patio houses at Matosinhos (1993-99) and the Portuguese pavilion at the Hannover Expo 2000 with Siza (1999). Essays by the authors, along with an interview with Siza, Francisco Tavora, and Souto de Moura himself, introduce the architect's work.

Antonio Espositi lives in Monopoli (Apuglia), where he works as a designer. He has taught at the Bari School of Architecture and is currently Professor of Architectural Design at the Faculty of Civil Architecture of Milan Bovisa. Giovanni Leoni is Professor of Architecture in the School of Architecture of the Bari Polytechnic. His main interests lie in the history of architecture and the history of art in contemporary life.