The urban fabric Lisbon allows us to recognize blocks whose shape results of a sedimentation process, ie, are the physical inheritance of a number of individual desires and actions over time. The medieval fabric tradition is a representative example of this type, having been selected as sample a block in Alfama.
The urban reality of these fabrics results in a composition in which the full and empty are inextricably linked and private and public spaces are completely noticeable and well-defined, ie, where the blocks are defined and define the boundary and alignment of streets and are densely occupied, but usually also contain inside, orchards, gardens and open spaces. The block takes in this urban structure multiple forms and volumes, developing a clear adaptation to a hill situation.
It is near the Chafariz de Dentro square, south of the Alfama neighborhood, where the selected block is positioned, an irregular unit with a size of approximately 21m x 47m.
This block is formed by a set of 13 parcels that begin narrower and perpendicular to the streets, forming a closed polygon in an occupation that extends through to the center. The occupation of the block is made in an integral way, not disposing of backyard space, which is indicative of a high built density determined also by a high average number of floors (4.5).
About buildings on this block, we highlight the most common housing types in this neighborhood that portray the urban reality of Lisbon in the sixteenth century, with a deficient organization in the disposition of house divisions, by not having the concept of circulation areas, therefore, distribution of compartments was made one after the other. This block, after all, already has some changes that still today are being concluded and that are replacing the existing ancient buildings. It should be noted that a significant part of this block is also occupied by the chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios that closes the east section of this unit.
Finally, the dominant function in this block is housing, yet some of the buildings that contact with the public square have on the ground floor commercial areas.
