Living on the Edge—Mismatches and Expectations in a Changing Landscape

This paper deals with the confrontation between forms of urbanisation Lisbon, Portugal, that extends its fringes over Alcântara Valley. same Valley—topography and hydrography—plays as determinants occupation will assume distinct narratives. gradual process is explained through three narratives about (1) margin driven by industrialisation construction a stigmatised periphery, (2) imposition large capacity infrastructures far beyond what local, (3) system open spaces landscape projects urban brink valley claims. The debate focuses on answers project, necessarily going planning practical theoretical scopes, i.e., Urbanism thinking, especially in broad present seeking to discuss both sides coin: one hand, an rehabilitation public space for all, other qualified central attracts real estate investment may bring effects contrary those expected. article seeks contribute broader perception superimposition processes transformed Valley, fuller dissemination urbanistic experiences city Lisbon since this still vastly underrepresented international (primarily Anglo-Saxon) literature, deepen rehabilitation, regeneration, consequences opportunities practiced trying cope with.