Alfredo Luiz Porto de Britto (1936-2015) was a Professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and PUC-Rio, building a career in architecture with strong social foundations. This was evident since his university days in the 1960s, as he always associated himself with causes of interest to the city. Over the years, he became one of the leading experts in cultural heritage and, among other causes, fought for the preservation of the Castelinho do Flamengo and against the demolition of the Monroe Palace.

The architect worked on the restoration of the National Archives (formerly the Casa da Moeda), the building recently housing the Casa do Choro on Rua da Carioca, and the Pedregulho National Housing Project, designed by Affonso Eduardo Reidy, about which he wrote the book “Pedregulho, the pioneering dream of public housing in Brazil.”

As an active professional, Alfredo maintained a close relationship with the Brazilian Institute of Architects (IAB). He served as secretary of IAB-RJ and was a member of the national board from 1980 to 1983.

Aware of his social role, he was one of the founders of the NGO Viva Rio in 1993. Within the project, he envisioned a community center in Vila Cruzeiro.

A resident of Santa Teresa, the architect hosted a famous choro music gathering at his home for over 30 years, attended by names like Paulinho da Viola and Yamandu Costa.
(Text published in O Globo newspaper, 11/26/2015)