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Gabriele Basilico and Álvaro Siza: A Friendship Through Photography and Architecture

publication · 2026-05-05

The publication "Matosinhos. Non c’è spazio né architettura senza luce" explores the bond between Gabriele Basilico, an Italian photographer who passed away in 2013, and Álvaro Siza, a Portuguese architect born in 1933. Designed by Luca Pitoni, the book centers on Matosinhos, featuring Siza's creations like the Boa Nova restaurant (1958-63) and the Leça swimming pools (1966). It opens with reflections from both men, including an essay by Siza's sister, Tereza. Meeting in 1994, they shared a fascination with themes of marginality. Despite his initial fear of flying, Basilico captured Porto's customs house in 1995 and continued to visit until 2011. Additionally, Maddalena d'Alfonso contributes a text emphasizing their emotional ties to their roots.

Key facts

  • Book title: 'Matosinhos. Non c’è spazio né architettura senza luce'
  • Photographer: Gabriele Basilico (died 2013)
  • Architect: Álvaro Siza (born 1933 in Matosinhos)
  • Book designed by Luca Pitoni with a fold-out poster cover
  • Siza's first works: Boa Nova (1958-63) and Leça swimming pools (1966)
  • Basilico and Siza met in 1994
  • Basilico had a fear of flying but overcame it to photograph in Portugal
  • Book includes text by Maddalena d'Alfonso
  • Siza's sister Tereza contributed an essay
  • Siza discussed Brazilian architect Charles Nelson with Basilico

Entities

Artists

  • Gabriele Basilico
  • Álvaro Siza
  • Luca Pitoni
  • Tereza Siza
  • Maddalena d'Alfonso
  • Charles Nelson

Institutions

  • Corsiero Editore
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Matosinhos
  • Porto
  • Portugal
  • Milan
  • Italy
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • Brazil
  • Reggio Emilia

Sources