The Saal Process: Architecture and Participation 1974-1976

Born out of the Portuguese revolution of 1974, the Serviço Ambulatório de Apoio Local (SAAL) was one of the most compelling processes in 20th-century architecture. A pioneering experiment in Europe, it set up technical teams led by architects who, in collaboration with the local population, tried to address the urgent housing needs of communities across the nation. The teams were reinventing architectural practice, from surveying living conditions to monitoring land expropriation, designing projects with the residents directly. This volume includes new essays along with historic texts, an interview with some of the major figures involved, and extensive project documentation.