The Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto (FAUP) is an organic unit of the University of Porto and a higher-education institution focused on architecture, construction and urban studies.411 It is based in Porto, Portugal, at the University’s Campus III in Campo Alegre, in a complex designed by architect Álvaro Siza.35
FAUP was established in 1979 by Decree-Law no. 498-F/79 of 21 December.4 It was created through the transformation of the architecture section of the former School of Fine Arts of Porto (ESBAP), continuing that institution’s architectural teaching tradition.4 Its original statutory remit included awarding degrees in architecture and urban planning, as well as conducting and promoting research in those fields.4
The faculty combines education, research and public dissemination. Its activities include degree programmes in architecture, continuing-education courses, doctoral work, conferences, exhibitions and research projects concerning architecture, construction, urbanism and related areas.411 FAUP also hosts research structures, including the Centre for Studies in Architecture and Urbanism, which supports advanced research in architecture and urban studies.12
The institution has a strong connection to the Porto architectural tradition. Former teachers and students include Álvaro Siza and Eduardo Souto de Moura, the only Portuguese architects to have received the Pritzker Prize.511 FAUP describes itself as a worldwide reference in architectural education, while its research and teaching partnerships include institutions in several European countries.61113
As of the available institutional information, José Miguel Rodrigues is listed as director, with Pedro Alarcão as vice-director and Luís Urbano as secretary.11 FAUP’s activities are rooted in Porto but extend through international education, research and academic cooperation.613