On World Architecture Day, we publish our interview with architect Siza Vieira

1. Why did you choose to become an architect?

Because my first choice - sculpture - wasn't to my family's liking.
Since both courses were at the same School of Fine Arts, I thought I'd just transfer later.
I then became interested in architecture, at a school that I found undergoing profound renovation.

2. How can architecture contribute to the quality of life of people in urban environments and in particular to the users of the building? Do you have any projects you've worked on that you think have had a positive impact on the local community?

It can contribute in part, but it is not in itself decisive.
Projects with a positive impact on the local community, at least immediately: the affordable housing complexes in Porto (S. Victor and Bouça, SAAL programme) and Berlin (Kreuzberg) and The Hague (Schlesisches Tor).

3.What trends or innovations do you foresee for the future of architecture? How will these changes affect the way we design and construct buildings in the future?

Speaking of the future of architecture, more than the possible trends or innovations, I am struck by the contempt for architecture and the service provided by architects and recorded history.
I'm thinking of the recommendations and impositions originating in the European Community and the principles approved by the Portuguese government (I'm thinking of the decree-law, which reads, just to cite one example) "the obligation for the award criteria to take into account various factors, which must be "objective" and not subjective - as, for example, would be the consideration of aesthetics as a criterion".
I'm thinking of tenders for public works projects, now made not between architects but between builders.