Somewhere in Afife

The First Siza is a documentary about the Four Houses, Álvaro Siza’s first built work, designed while he was still a student, and the impact of architecture on people’s lives.

João’s House is a renovation project for a small house located in the old part of the city of Porto, close to the Douro River. It is a traditional 19th century ground floor building with wells made with stone, and a wooden roof structure covered with tiles.

An exploration of the curious and meticulous eye of Monsieur Hulot, who touches and experiences every detail and guides the spectator as he moves through the Interpretation Center of Romanesque and its exhibition.

Centred around the reunion — 60 years later — between the architect and Fernando Neto, his first client and the owner of one of the houses in Matosinhos, the film reveals how this project became a turning point in Siza’s career. Featuring interviews with Siza, the houses’ residents, and critic Francesco Dal Co, as well as current and archival footage, the narrative explores how architecture and the lives of its inhabitants become deeply intertwined over time.

The First Siza is a documentary about the Four Houses—Álvaro Siza’s first built work, designed while he was still a student—and the impact of architecture on people’s lives. Centred around the reunion—60 years later—between the architect and Fernando Neto, his first client and the owner of one of the houses in Matosinhos, the film reveals how this project became a turning point in Siza’s career.