a contemporary look at architecture
The "Luis Ferreira Alves International Photography Competition | A Contemporary Look at Architecture" is a biennial programme. It aims to honour the person and the work of this outstanding photographer, who bridged the gap between analogue and digital photography and whose work is recognised both nationally and internationally.
Luis Ferreira Alves' photographic work demonstrates a remarkable ability to create a unique perspective, both "objective" and "subjective", on the work of various renowned Portuguese architects, including Álvaro Siza and Eduardo Souto de Moura. His images convey an intimate understanding of these architects—both Pritzker Prize winners—and the architectural spaces they designed. While it is true that Luis Ferreira Alves offers us visually striking documents of architectural spaces and forms, his perspective, shaped by centuries of visual culture since the Renaissance, goes beyond mere representation. His work reveals a deep understanding and appreciation of architecture due to his close relationship with the practice and discipline itself.
The LFA AWARD takes shape through the international competition established under the protocol agreed between the heirs of Luis Ferreira Alves and the promoting bodies, Porto City Council (CMP) and Cityscopio — Associação Cultural (CCA). The Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto (FAUP) and Casa da Arquitectura (CA) are members of the Organising Committee.
The competition is also supported by a broad network of organisations and partners which, working in different fields, contribute to its consolidation, communication and national and international profile. Its sponsors and supporting organisations include the “la Caixa” Foundation / BPI, Canon and J.Soares Correia.
The Northern Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-N), Metro do Porto, AMAG and panoramah! are strategic partners; the Portuguese Architects’ Association (OA), the Marques da Silva Foundation Institute (FIMS) and the Serralves Foundation form part of its network of institutional partners.
Main Objectives
To promote a deep understanding of the practice and discipline of architecture, both in Portugal and worldwide, within broader sociocultural, artistic, technical, political, and historical systems, through the lens of photography.
To communicate the significant and unique relationship that a photographer can establish with an architect and their work. We believe that this nuanced understanding is an important lesson from Luis Ferreira Alves’ architectural photography, and something that this Competition seeks to foster and strengthen, especially at a time when architecture is increasingly consumed through images.