If the problem weren’t serious, it could even be said that Frederico Catarino managed to combine the best of both worlds: home and college, both in Porto, and next to each other. But that’s not at all what it’s about. A scaffolding structure set up by the 24-year-old student at the back of the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto (FAUP), in Campo Alegre, highlights the difficulties of those who, when traveling to study at Higher Education, have to rent a room in a city where supply is scarce and housing prices are prohibitive.
This is the topic of Frederico’s master’s thesis who, after signing a lease contract expiring on July 15th, decided to materialize the hardship of thousands of young people. “At first it was seen as something new and cool, with events in the garden. But then people started to appear who really needed it. From Braga, Ermesinde or Santo Tirso. They prefer to stay here than go home every day and come back”, says Frederico, originally from Torres Novas.
This is the second and last week that the structure, with six mattresses, remains next to the FAUP gardens. It will be dismantled on Sunday. Until then, Frederico sleeps in one of those beds. “Everyone goes about their normal lives and I take care of the house, organize events and dinners. I want everyone who comes here to feel like they’re at home,” he says.
The entire structure is sponsored by different companies, says Teresa Calix, deputy director of FAUP. Electricity and water costs (in jerricans) are being guaranteed by the institution. The remaining equipment, such as microwaves or kettles, was taken by the people themselves, from each person’s homes. Because that space is much more than just a place to sleep.
