Monday, August 11, 2014

Portugal - Street and Building Textures

Portugal's rich history has contributed to its magnificence and old country charm seen in its distressed architecture. Having driven through a dozen cities, I was able to observe its many textures and patterns which invoked a particular essence of the country. The fact that it suffered an economic downturn could have greatly influenced its many cities looking a particular way. Nevertheless, there was boundless beauty in all of this. 


Below are photos that speak most to me about Portugal. Its aged and distressed building exteriors add to the overall charm.


A neighborhood street in Lisboa

Building exterior in Lisboa

A view of Baixa overlooking Lisbon. There is a sense of geometry and randomness in this city layout. From this birds-eye view, the buildings are clustered and facing every which way. One particular in the foreground is much weathered in comparison to its counterparts towards the back..

Palácio Nacional da Pena in Sintra. The aged textures add to the realism and strength of this fortress.

 Quiet neighborhood street in Porto suburbia

A humble dwelling on the outskirt of Porto (a city known for its Porto wine)

This city block in Porto is getting some work done to one of its streets. 

An dilapidated building is wedged between its newer neighbors in Guimarães


 Clothes lines are very common of the Portuguese way of life

 A street in Évora. The majority of the Portuguese live in apartment blocs clustered together in high density areas.

A street in Setubal