Isabel Barbas

Isabel Barbas (b.1974) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Architecture at Universidade Lusófona (ULHT)'s Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism Technology (ECATI) since 2010. She is currently a PhD candidate in Architecture at ULHT with an FCT scholarship (SFRH/BD/148141/2019), expected to complete in 2025. Her work bridges architecture, art, and design through experimental public space interventions.

• Architecture degree from FAUTL (Technical University of Lisbon) with Erasmus year at La Sapienza, Rome
• Masters in Drawing from FBAUL
• PhD candidate at ULHT (completion 2025)

Research Focus:
Barbas investigates how architecture shapes participatory urban environments through tactical urbanism, artistic installations, and climate-responsive design. Her work explores urban ambiences, critical spatial practices, and the poetics of materiality, particularly in the context of rising sea levels and ephemeral markets. Current projects include the COST Action CA23145 on European urban ambiences (2024-2027) and the SOSClimateWaterfront Horizon 20/20 project (2019) focusing on public space.

Publications & Projects:
Her recent work appears in Urbanistica Dossier on public space socialization and the Malagueira International Congress discussing poetic urban fragments. Key projects include the award-winning Jardim das Gaivotas urban furniture (Lisbon, 2017), Nine Swings in Porto (2013-2020), and the Slim Moon lighting installation (2013). She maintains an active practice through her studio MAGstudio (founded 2009) and previously in Madrid (2004-2009).

Scientific Awards

• 1st Prize, Enjoy the Tagus competition
• 1st Prize, HM RIBA`08
• Finalist, Lexmarkex European Art Prize
• Outros Mercadus`08 II Award

Teaching & Collaborations:
She has collaborated with institutions like CCB and Museu Berardo's educational services (2004-2019) and contributed to architectural media as a member of the Jornal dos Arquitetos editorial team (2012-2014). Her studio projects combine art, architecture, and urban design with a focus on participatory processes.