José Manuel Simões Ferreira was a Portuguese architect, urban planner, philosopher and researcher, whose work made a significant contribution to the theory and history of architecture. Born in Lisbon, he graduated in architecture from the Escola Superior de Belas-Artes de Lisboa in 1983, achieving a high academic standing. His intellectual pursuits led him to further his studies in urban design, earning a master’s degree in 1999 from ISCTE and in philosophy, obtaining a second Master’s degree from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FCSH) at the New University of Lisbon (UNL) in 2001. Simões Ferreira then pursued a PhD in History and Theory of Ideas at FCSH/UNL, completing it in 2005 with distinction and unanimous approval. His academic excellence was further recognised with several research fellowships from the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT/MCTES), culminating in a postdoctoral research position.
Throughout his career, Ferreira focused primarily on the study of architectural theory, adopting a critical and hermeneutic approach, influenced by thinkers such as Heidegger, Tafuri, Gadamer, and Choay. His research explored the origins, development, and significance of architectural ideas, and he published numerous influential works in the field. His most notable contributions include his dissertations “Arquitectura, Desenho Urbano e Tratadística” (1999), “Visões de Utopia” (2001), “Arquitectura para a Morte” (2005) and “História da Teoria da Arquitectura no Ocidente” (2010), which have become essential references for scholars in the domain of architectural theory. Ferreira also dedicated himself to investigating the history of architectural thought, with a particular focus on its development in ancient and modern times.
In addition to his scholarly work, Ferreira had a rich professional career in architecture and urban planning. He collaborated with prominent architects and planners such as Vítor Figueiredo, Maurício de Vasconcellos, Luís Alçada Baptista and others. His architectural practice involved a wide range of projects, including residential and public buildings, airports, and commercial developments. He was awarded prizes for his work in public competitions, such as the Monument to the 25th of April in Lisbon (1984) and the Fortress of Lovelhe in Viana do Castelo (1987).
Ferreira also played a significant role in the academic community. He was a lecturer at the University of Lisbon’s Faculty of Letters, where he taught courses on the history and theory of architecture at undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels. His courses, focused on the reception and development of architectural ideas from the Renaissance to the 20th century, have been influential in shaping the academic understanding of architectural theory. His teaching was marked by engaging lectures, discussions, and the integration of multimedia materials to support student learning.
Ferreira’s legacy extends beyond his publications and teaching; he was an integral member of the Institute of Art History (IHA) at the University of Lisbon, contributing to the advancement of architectural research in Portugal. His ongoing work included a major research project on the reception of the works of Sebastiano Serlio and Andrea Palladio in Portugal, further underscoring his commitment to deepening the understanding of architectural theory and practice.
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PT/FAUL/ARQUIVO/JSF
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