In this special episode, recorded live in collaboration with the Urban Future conference at their 2026 edition in Ljubljana, we explore the complexities of urban rehabilitation in Porto. We are joined by Ricardo Ferreira da Silva, Programme Manager at Porto Vivo Urban Rehabilitation Society in Portugal.

We discuss the challenge of caring for a historic centre while protecting its identity and ensuring it remains a liveable space for residents. Ricardo shares insights into the fragile balance between preserving authenticity and managing the pressures of tourism.

The conversation also covers strategies to attract families back to the city centre, the importance of cross-departmental coordination, and how blended-finance models are utilised to support affordable housing and mixed-use spaces.

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Chapters

• (00:00:00) - Intro
• (00:04:03) - Guest background
• (00:06:07) - Living in Historic Porto
• (00:08:04) - Cross-Department City Collaboration
• (00:11:40) - Revitalizing City Neighborhoods
• (00:13:47) - Balancing Tourism and Housing
• (00:16:35) - Funding and Private Partnerships
• (00:19:28) - Porto's Core Urban Challenges
• (00:23:51) - Adapting Plans to Reality
• (00:26:59) - Lessons for Other Cities
• (00:33:56) - Segment: Shout Out
• (00:37:20) - Ending question: “To you, what is a Smart City?”