The distinction recognizes Barros's work in the field of built heritage rehabilitation, focusing on the revitalization of rural territories affected by depopulation. His approach involves the engagement of local communities and the use of traditional construction materials and techniques.
With a professional career developed primarily in northern Portugal, the architect has worked on the recovery of abandoned or ruined buildings. Concurrently, he promotes research and cultural and community initiatives for the preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge associated with the landscape and local materials.
Collaboration with local master craftsmen is another highlighted aspect, aiming to contribute to the preservation and transmission of knowledge related to traditional construction trades. This dimension aligns with his research as an investigator at the Nuno Portas Studies Centre (CENP/FAUP).
Among the projects cited by the organization is the rehabilitation of the Monastery of São João de Cabanas, in Afife, Viana do Castelo, adapted into a hotel unit, which received the National Prize for Architecture Space 2025. His career also includes the recovery of Quinta de Fundevila, in Cabeceiras de Basto, and interventions in rural dwellings in Penacova, Morilhões, and Santo Tirso, as well as monumental and urban buildings like the Church of the Convent of Vila Cova de Alva.
The Hortensia Herrero Foundation, based in Valencia, was also honored with the Richard H. Driehaus Prize for Heritage Conservation. The awards are promoted by the Foundation for Traditional Cultures with support from Richard H. Driehaus and collaboration from various entities, including the Portuguese Order of Architects.
Fernando Cerqueira Barros, a native of Arcos de Valdevez (born 1986), completed his Master's in Architecture at FAUP in 2011. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate at FAUP, researching "Architectural Heritage and Cross-border Territorial Organization in the Galician-Minho Mountains."
