ABSTRACT
However, some key buildings of that period, like the Matosinhos Market, show some clear signs that permit the formulation of the following hypothesis: it is possible that, for a few Portuguese architects, modern architecture was much more than a new decorative style, and it embodied an effective paradigm shift, dictated by the use of a new structural material, i.e. reinforced concrete, or RC. The requirement of a specific architectural language for this new material is part of the hypothesis.
