Paper short abstract:

We analyse and value the most positive aspects and present-day impact, of portuguese architects production, working in Africa in the 1950s to 1970s: cultural and professional ethics; use of modern technology adapted to tropical context; the colective idea of sevicing to society.

Paper long abstract:

Architecture and urbanism developed in the former portuguese colonies in Africa in the 20th century express the real value of its typological and morphological diversity, and its qualified heritage dimension in the present-day post colonial context.

Portuguese architects working in Africa, mainly between the 1950s and the 1970s, were able to create, in spite of adverse colonial administration and explotation rules, a whole system of positive cultural, professional and architectural values.

Such were: their coherent rules regarding professional ethics; the use of adequate modern technologies, adapted to tropical needs; and their ideia of being at work to serve society and to contribute to the improvement of colective and community needs.

In the present-day PALOPS countries, such aspects should be re-considered, not as old colonial concepts, but as actual and useful tools - if adapted and reinvented in present day realities,to improve and develop urban and architectural contexts, in adequate directions.

These values can and should serve today to support most of architectural /urban activity, adaped to present day needs.