Urban rehabilitation has become one of the driving forces behind the transformation of Portuguese cities, with MAP Group playing a central role in this movement.
In recent years, urban regeneration has become a strategic priority in Portugal in response to the need to revitalise historic city centres, restore dilapidated buildings, and modernise existing housing. MAP Group/MAP Engenharia e Construção is a leading player in this context, applying its solid construction experience to projects that combine technical rigour, heritage preservation and innovation.
The group’s core remains firmly anchored in construction, with three specialised companies forming the basis of its expertise. MAP Engenharia e Construção leads on major structural projects, including residences, offices, hotels, commercial spaces and logistics centres.
MAP Spaces specialises in the fit-out and refurbishment of interiors, transforming commercial spaces, hotels and offices. Villas, a MAP Group company, specialises in the construction of luxury homes, providing the boutique care and attention to detail that is essential for high-end urban regeneration projects.
The new BOHOPO Formosa hotel in Porto is a good illustration of the group’s approach, and is one of the most recent projects. Located in a heritage-rich area, the project involves partially demolishing the existing building while maintaining the historic façade and reconstructing a modern 2,500 m² structure. Such an intervention requires a high degree of urban and technical sensitivity, combining heritage conservation with modern, efficient construction solutions.
Another example is HorizOn Tejo, a Habitat Invest project involving the rehabilitation and expansion of a historic building on Calçada Marquês de Abrantes in the Santos district of Lisbon. The original façade was carefully maintained to preserve the architectural style characteristic of the area, while the interior was transformed into a modern condominium that is completely in line with the urban design of Santos. The project showcases MAP Engenharia e Construção’s capacity to integrate sophisticated technical solutions, including the implementation of peripheral containment to facilitate two basement car parks on uneven terrain, while preserving the historical character of the city.
In addition to its construction expertise, MAP offers a range of complementary services that reinforce its value proposition in urban regeneration. MAP Property Services manages and maintains buildings over time, preserving their value and durability. Meanwhile, MAP Real Estate offers co-investment platforms that allow risks to be shared and maximise the effective return for partners.
Urban regeneration presents several challenges, including existing structures with varying degrees of deterioration, heritage restrictions, complex logistics in dense urban centres, and the need to reconcile conservation with modernisation and energy efficiency. However, there are also significant opportunities, including public incentives, special schemes for Urban Regeneration Areas (ARUs) and growing investor interest in sustainable urban regeneration projects.
MAP’s performance demonstrates that this segment is a natural extension of its core construction business. By combining technical expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and service and investment solutions, the group can offer comprehensive proposals that extend beyond construction to encompass future operations, sustainability, and asset enhancement. Projects such as BOHOPO Formosa prove that MAP does more than just build; it transforms territories, contributing to urban regeneration with quality and credibility.
Today, the MAP Group confirms its ability to operate in complex urban environments. The group applies its extensive experience in construction and heritage enhancement. It restores existing buildings, promotes the sustainable transformation of cities, preserves history, and improves the quality of life for local communities.
Nuno Fernandes
Production Manager at MAP Engenharia e Construção
