Amancio Guedes
(1925-)
Amancio d’Alpoim Miranda Guedes, born in Lisbon in 1925, spent most of
his youth in Mozambique where his father worked as a doctor. After his studies
in South Africa and Lisbon he returned to Mozambique in 1950 to open a practice
in Maputo (formerly Lourenço Marques). When Guedes founded his practice
there were hardly any qualified architects working in the area. In the course
of twenty-five years he built almost 500 buildings, most of which in Mozambique.
Moreover, he managed to combine being an active painter and sculptor with his
architectural work. His office was in his home and served as a studio, where
all manner of activities took place simultaneously.
In the early 1960s Guedes came into contact with the Smithsons through the South
African Theo Crosby, editor of Architectural Design. Through the Smithsons Guedes
was invited to the Team 10 meeting in Royaumont in 1962. His contribution caused
a stir, chiefly on account of the African building practices and the projects
that ranged from shacks made from grass and clay to sculptural concrete buildings.
Guedes would invariably teach the builders the necessary techniques on the spot
and go on to help them with the construction of the buildings himself. In that
way he provided people with work, gave them brief, practical training and, moreover,
was able to produce the buildings cheaply. After Royaumont, Guedes made regular
appearances at Team 10 meetings.
In 1974 Mozambique gained independence and the situation changed drastically.
Guedes moved to Johannesburg, where he became dean of the Faculty of Architecture
at the University of Witwatersrand. In 1999 he left South Africa and settled
in Sintra near Lisbon, where he still lives and works.
See also the website dedicated to Guedes: Amancio
Guedes - architect, sculptor, painter
For more information plus an interview see: 'The
Wonderful World of Pancho Miranda Guedes'.