Official Ceremony Marks the Beginning of the Construction of the New Centre

The Lusófona University has begun the construction of new buildings at its Porto University Centre, in an official ceremony attended by various authorities and members of the academic community. The project, designed by the renowned architect Eduardo Souto Moura, aims to expand the Centre, consolidating the institution’s presence in the city and reinforcing its role as a benchmark in higher education.

The Councillor of the Porto City Council, Dr Pedro Baganha, expressed the city’s pride in the project, highlighting its importance for the redevelopment of a historic area still awaiting consolidation. “This project is structural for the city of Porto. The expansion of the Lusófona University campus not only enhances the area but also contributes to attracting and retaining talent,” he stated. The Councillor emphasised that the construction of this new building is a sound investment on several levels, aligning with the city’s urban development policy.

Professor Dr Manuel de Almeida Damásio, Administrator of the Lusófona University, noted that this moment marks the end of a challenging phase and the beginning of a new stage. “The first stage was the most complex, but we are now ready to move forward with a project aimed at improving the quality of teaching and the university’s infrastructure,” he said. The Administrator stressed the importance of collaboration with local authorities and the need for high-quality higher education that contributes to the country’s development.

Architect Souto Moura, in turn, shared his expectations regarding the project, which presents unique challenges due to its location in Porto’s historic centre. “The responsibility of altering a building in this context is considerable, but I am confident that we will achieve a balance between aesthetics and functionality,” he stated. The architect highlighted the importance of creating a space that not only meets the needs of students but also respects the historical identity of the area.

Lusófona University, now the largest private university in the country, with two university centres and 15 faculties, has as its main goals innovation, inclusion, and internationalisation. The new Porto campus, currently under expansion, aims not only to increase capacity but also to strengthen the university’s presence within the city’s academic and cultural community.

With the construction of this new building, Lusófona University hopes to consolidate its position as one of the leading higher education institutions in Portugal, contributing to the scientific, cultural, and economic development of Portuguese-speaking countries. The groundbreaking ceremony thus represents a significant step towards the future of education in the region and a commitment to academic excellence.

Lusófona University continues to lead the “Ensino Lusófona” project, which brings together higher education institutions from several Portuguese-speaking countries, promoting a standard of excellence in education and contributing to the development of the Lusophone community worldwide.

View the Event Photos on ULusófona’s Facebook Page

Text
Catarina Machado

Photography
Paulo Renato, Beatriz Correia, André Mendes

Video (Coverage)
Paulo Renato, Beatriz Correia, André Mendes

Video (Editing)
Catarina Machado