About Us
The Bookshop
We are a bookshop specialising in Architecture, “by an architect, for architects” with over 4,000 publications covering the important areas of Urbanism, Construction, and Landscape Architecture. In addition to this, we hold more than 3,000 titles in stock—the largest total inventory of any architecture bookshop in our country. Técnica Livraria bookshop is a reference point among international architecture bookshops, as it supplies rare and out-of-print books to both professional and amateur collectors worldwide.
Thank you very much for your support!
THE BEGINNING
Against the advice of all my fellow architects, I opened the bookshop precisely at the peak of the crisis in the field of architecture, in 2010. It took almost four years for the bookshop to start turning a profit. Determination was stronger, and we eventually overcame the difficulties.
As an architect and owner, I strive to make Técnica Livraria a reference point for my colleagues, those who will soon become colleagues, and clients with this or other technical backgrounds.
WORLD-CLASS INNOVATION
Técnica Livraria is a global leader in innovation. Many of its inventions were pioneering and are now used all over the world. Even the most recent innovations are being replicated, which is a positive sign. We have had a very close, warm and friendly relationship with bookshops all over the world for many years. Among these innovations, we highlight the following:
1 – Today, it is normal for you to see videos showing the inside of books with complete convenience. Técnica Livraria was the first bookshop to create these videos in 2014.
2 – At a time when it was common to send newsletters to clients with photos and summaries of books, Técnica Livraria, in the same year, began sending newsletters in which the architect-bookshop owner – for the client’s utmost convenience – enters their homes via video through the newsletters, making personal recommendations as if the client were in the shop.
3 – Técnica bookshop was the first to create a YouTube channel where books are discussed and recommended, with descriptions and video previews of their interiors. This channel is currently being revamped, but remains visible. It was also the first, both in our country and abroad, to do so on Instagram.
4 – We were also the first to have a social mission – right from the founding – channelling a substantially significant portion of profits towards this purpose.
5 – Through its architecture publishing arm, Técnica Livraria is also a leader in innovation, often suffering plagiarism of innovative ideas, publication content, and even slogans. For example, the slogan "By architects for architects", which is a registered trademark, has been plagiarised by another international architecture publisher and an international architecture award. Similarly, another slogan, "The publication for professional architects", has been slightly altered by other publishers. Our publishing house has been targeted for plagiarism by architecture and book design publishers. To you, we ask greatly that you value originality, effort, and the time required to achieve it. Copying is easy and cheap.
6 - This list does not include smaller innovations, such as the addition of televisions in the shop window (installed a long time ago), where the inside of the books is shown as if they were friendly salespeople.
7 – As we innovated globally among bookshops by producing videos showing the interiors of books, video newsletters, and other similar initiatives, it seemed only natural to innovate once again and create a website where communication with people is also carried out through video.
»One day, all bookshop and publishing house websites will be like this… :)
Thus, we created the first website in the world where videos are presented of people talking about books—interviews, recommendations, and so on. No publishing house or bookshop has anything like it yet (summer 2025). We do not wish to appear arrogant, but we would very much appreciate recognition of the effort and originality involved.
8 – There are countless other innovations and ideas that cannot be included here. We shall mention just one further example: owing to the extraordinary and overwhelming feedback from the kind customers of House Details, we were the first to highlight on Instagram the stories of satisfaction that customers generously shared. We have always used only genuine posts from real customers. We were also the first to create reels featuring this feedback, which later inspired others — whether in the field of book sales, book creation, or even production.
Once again, to you, we ask greatly that you value originality, effort, and the time required to achieve it.
RIGOUR AS A PHILOSOPHY
Maximum rigour, professionalism, and character will always be both goals and tools with which we engage with our clients and friends.
I believe that a physical bookshop is essential, even if it entails fixed costs for us, as this is the only way to purchase with complete confidence and ensure that you are truly buying what you intended by being able to see the interior of the book. You can also check the book’s condition, have it immediately in your hands, or, if it needs to be ordered, receive it within a short time. Any issue – for example, a defect – can be resolved immediately through direct contact with us, where we know you by name.
If you are looking for a rarer book that we do not have in the bookshop, we will order it, and deliver it to you. Técnica Livraria will always do its utmost to leave you satisfied and in a timely manner. Técnica Livraria was the first bookshop in Portugal to sell rare and out-of-print books. This was a natural process, as some of us have been collectors of architectural books for over 30 years. I often say: if you want to buy a collectible stamp, do not just go to a shop that sells them, go to one where the owner himself is a deeply knowledgeable collector.
HUMILITY AND AWARENESS OF SOCIAL ISSUES
We value your personal suggestion, so if you know of an essential book for the development of your activity, even if you already own it, we would greatly appreciate your recommendation.
The bookshop has had a social mission since its foundation in 2010. In 2018, we launched an architecture publishing house whose social mission – also from its foundation – became public, to encourage other companies, which indeed happened, as its owners and marketing directors (national and international) kindly came to consult with us. This brings me great joy. Thus, on a global level, Técnica Livraria and its publishing house were the first architecture bookshops and publishers in the world to dedicate a substantially significant part of their profits to helping others.
It is with profound pleasure that I ultimately have a space created by an architect for architects. I wish you all the best for yourself and for those you love.
Warm regards,
Nuno Teixeira, arch.
Social Mission
Técnica Livraria, despite being a micro-enterprise, has had a social mission since its foundation. To this, it dedicates a very substantial part of its earnings.
Join the Community
Do you have a helpful spirit? Do you have good ideas?
Would you like to collaborate with us on this social mission? Please visit us in person and have a conversation with us – note that this invitation is not for submitting grant applications, but rather to collaborate in creating better realities, without financial reward (just as we try to do).
Thank you very much.
Social mission in ADN
Discover projects and people supported by our charitable editions.
Scholarships
Financial support for underprivileged working students
Individuals, Institutions and Associations
Support for those in the most disadvantaged circumstances, including some in extreme need
Técnica Livraria has had a social mission from day one, since its foundation.
In 2018, we launched an architecture publishing house whose social mission – also active from its foundation – was made public (unlike that of the bookshop), given the international nature of the publisher. We believed this would help to spread this philosophy, and fortunately, it did. To our satisfaction, several managers and marketing directors from national and international building materials brands, architecture bookshops, publishing houses, and even architectural studios, came to speak with us so that we could share our experience. Subsequently – although in smaller numbers – some of them adopted and maintained their own social missions, with wonderfully creative and stimulating ideas. For us, this is a great joy.
Our warmest and most sincere regards to all.
Given the small size of our company, our social mission represents a significant proportion of our profits. The social mission is a fundamental part of Técnica Livraria and its specialised architecture publishing house. The continuity of both the publisher and the bookshop would be impossible without this philosophy.
Public Donations
Only donations that could be made public are disclosed.
In the first publication released by our architecture publishing house
Na primeira edição tivemos a honra de poder ajudar a Marta de Jesus com 450€.
In the first edition, we had the honour of being able to assist Marta de Jesus with €450.
Marta has spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and a very severe scoliosis. She is an ostomised person, without a bladder as a result of a urostomy. She has already undergone 36 surgical procedures (head, spine, hips, and feet, among others).
For further information and other donations, please contact her mother: +351 936 635 183 — 21.04.2018
In the second publication released by our architecture publishing house
Na segunda edição tivemos a honra de poder ajudar a Adriana Carvalho com 450€.
In the second edition, we had the honour of being able to assist Adriana Carvalho with €450.
Adriana suffers from cerebral palsy, is blind, and has epilepsy. Her level of disability is 100%. She has undergone surgeries to her eyes (four procedures), pelvis, and spine.
We would like to thank the Salvador Association, as it was through research on their website that we became aware of Adriana’s situation.
For further information and other donations, please contact her father: +351 939 427 021 — 22.10.2018
In the third publication released by our architecture publishing house
In this edition, we had the honour of being able to assist Rui Rosinha with €450.
Rui was one of the firefighters from Castanheira de Pera who was severely burned in the Pedrógão Grande fire on 17 June 2017. After being evacuated, he was only anaesthetised and intubated several hours later; it took 10 hours for him to reach Hospital da Prelada (Porto). Due to the extremely high temperatures and the delayed evacuation, he was kept in an induced coma for 2 and a half months to withstand surgeries and clinical procedures. He suffered second and third-degree burns over 20% of his body, experienced multiple organ failure, was placed on an ECMO machine, and had 4 documented cardiorespiratory arrests. During his six months of hospitalisation, he underwent 16 surgeries.
He was left with severe sensory-motor axonal polyneuropathy, resulting in intense pain in his lower limbs, loss of strength, and muscle and nerve atrophy, among other symptoms. The brachial plexus of his left arm was severely damaged, leaving it with limited use and mobility.
He has an 85% disability certificate and depends on a third person for many daily tasks. His wife interrupted her professional activity to support him. Rui is expected to be proposed for retirement in the future, with an approximate pension of €270. He believes that the Portuguese Firefighters League will support him upon retirement by compensating for the remainder of the salary he earned at the time of the tragedy. Rui is no longer covered by the insurance company.
For further information and other donations, please contact his family: +351 963 939 265 — 16.04.2019
Na quarta publicação escrita da nossa editora de arquitectura
Nesta edição, tivemos a honra de poder ajudar a Anabela com 450€. Devido à gravidade, transferimos o montante em 19 de junho, antes do lançamento da revista (dezembro).
A Anabela já lutou contra três tumores e encontra-se com cancro do colo do útero em estado muito avançado. O último recurso, conforme noticiado em televisão, são vacinas específicas na Alemanha.
Para mais informações e outros donativos, por favor contactar a família: +351 934 955 200
Data: 22.07.2019
In the fifth publication released by our architecture publishing house
Having learned of a case on television, the donation was initially intended for a young patient receiving treatment at the IPO in Porto. However, following the family’s refusal, we contacted the nearest IPO (Portuguese Oncology Institute), in Lisbon.
When requesting the collaboration of Dr Célia Rosa to help us find a situation we could support, I mentioned that I could also seek the help of a retired nurse I know, who had worked for decades at that Institute, Maria Victória Osório Mourão, now 93 years old, for whom I have the deepest respect and affection.
Dr Célia suggested that we support the Residence for Patients and Families at IPO, as there was a severe shortage of televisions in the rooms. This building houses very needy and extremely ill people, often alone in Lisbon, most of whom come from outside the district. Fate would have it that, the day before our conversation, Dr Célia received a list of rooms in that residence that had no televisions. Fate ensured that the cycle was completed. This is because Nurse Maria Victória, who refuses praise and often tells me she does not have the value others (rightly) attribute to her, decades ago was precisely the person responsible for establishing the residence that Dr Célia was referring to.
At the time, the nurse had earnestly requested from Dr Vitorino Magalhães Godinho, Minister of Education (as the IPO was under the Education Ministry due to its research activities), the creation of a residence for patients (and their families), so that particularly those from outside Lisbon could rest from the exhausting and very demanding treatments they were undergoing. She insisted that it was impossible for them to travel such long distances daily, given their extreme physical fatigue. Moreover, many were also financially disadvantaged. On that day, a residence for nurses was being completed on the IPO grounds. Nurse Maria Victória showed it to the Minister, who was visiting another part of the Institute, and earnestly and convincingly requested that it be designated for patients. That same day, the Minister promised, and later fulfilled, this request.
Fate ensured that the cycle was completed, and so we made our modest donation in the name of a great and extraordinary woman, responsible for a legacy that is impossible to quantify and who, according to so many, was an angel at the Portuguese Oncology Institute. We know our contribution is small, and Nurse Maria Victória deserves a public recognition event, but if all goes well, the cycle will not end with this single action.
How many lives have been saved over the years through her remarkable work? By allowing so many young patients to be admitted and survive, how many children were born? How many grandchildren went on to know the grandparents who were admitted to IPO before they were born? And the children of the patients who survived, how much happier were they, thus becoming better parents and, in turn, giving rise to happier children? This donation happens thanks to you, the reader. I would like you to understand that there is a part of you in this story. That in this donation, there is a part of you, and in the televisions at IPO and the comfort they provide, there is a part of you.
Warm regards,
Nuno
This time, a donation of €570 was made, which allowed the purchase of 3 televisions and their respective wall mounts.
Photo above: Her Excellency Nurse Maria Victória Mourão, the “little angel” responsible for the creation of the Residence for Patients and Families at IPO.
IPO (Lisbon) Contact: Dr Célia Rosa — (+351) 217 229 800 — Ext. 1947 — July 2020
For the reprint of the fifth written publication by our architecture publishing house
In this second edition of the magazine on architect Souto de Moura, we had the honour of being able to make another donation to Mr Rui Rosinha, in the amount of €570 (€450 in Dec 2020 + €120 in Jan 2021). The first donation was made in House Details Vol. 4, Issue 1 (2019).
Rui was one of the firefighters from Castanheira de Pera who were burned in the fire of 17 June 2017 in Pedrógão Grande. After being evacuated from the scene, he was only anaesthetised and intubated several hours later; the ambulance took 10 hours to reach the Hospital da Prelada in Porto. Due to the extremely high temperatures he was exposed to and the prolonged evacuation time, he remained in an induced coma for 2 and a half months to withstand surgeries and clinical procedures, suffering burns on 20% of his body, both deep second-degree and third-degree.
He endured multi-organ failure, had to be connected to an ECMO machine, and experienced 4 documented cardiorespiratory arrests.
During six months of hospitalisation, he underwent 16 surgeries. He was left with severe axonal sensory-motor polyneuropathy, resulting in intense pain in the lower limbs, loss of strength, muscle and nerve atrophy, and other symptoms. The brachial plexus in his left arm was severely damaged, resulting in very limited use of that arm and hand, with little strength or mobility.
Rui has an official disability certificate rating him at 85%. He depends on a third person for dressing, putting on shoes, personal hygiene, bathing, preparing food on his plate, and other daily tasks.
He receives a meagre €488/month from the Portuguese State as a pension, despite nearly losing his life and sustaining extremely serious injuries (with lifelong consequences for him and his family) while defending Portugal, its heritage, and the well-being of all Portuguese citizens.
It would be impossible to live on this amount. The Portuguese Firefighters’ League, recognising this, provides Mr Rosinha with an additional €282 per month.
As a result, a person whose life has been practically destroyed while saving others and serving our country receives barely more than the minimum wage.
We believe that what Mr Rui Rosinha did for all of us was far from minimal.
For further information and details of other donations, contact the family: +351 963 939 265 — Janeiro 2021
1st Charity Auction
Two copies of House Details 5 – Special Limited Collector’s Edition were auctioned
In this first online and live charity auction, held on 11 March via the House Details Instagram account, €191 was raised from the sale of 2 copies of House Details 5 – Collector’s Edition, limited to 10 units with several extras, created exclusively for these auctions.
We are deeply grateful to architect Eduardo Souto de Moura for his generosity in signing the magazines and for allowing the publication of his project. Our thanks also go to the homeowner, Dr. Pedro Mendonça, the collaborators of architect Souto de Moura, and the engineers Manuel Pedro Melo, Adriano Cardoso, and Marta Cardoso. Without the publication of their work, these auctions would never have taken place.
The funds were donated to Associação Pontes de Caridade, which belongs to the Parish of the Church of Our Lady of Fátima in Lisbon, as they were the ones we consulted regarding the most needy individuals.
The amount was used to pay the pharmacy bills for Mrs Maria de Fátima Conceição Dias, 73, who receives a pension of €274 (she never had formal employment and was always a housewife), lives alone, and has several health issues. We are fully aware that this is a very small help and cannot significantly change her life.
The money was delivered to Mrs Maria dos Prazeres, who works at Associação Pontes de Caridade, on 16/03.
Link to the Patriarchate of Lisbon (archive)
For further information and other donations, please contact the Association: +351 969 318 715 — Março 2021
Sixth publication by our architecture publishing house
Donation: €1,000 (2nd edition: €2,600).
Through this donation, we had the honour of supporting Mariana, contributing towards her physiotherapy sessions.
Mariana is a determined young woman with a winning spirit, who is committed to overcoming every difficulty. We are fully confident that she will be an inspiration to many and achieve all her goals.
Case details: Mariana is a 17-year-old girl suffering from muscular atrophy and arthrogryposis, a condition that currently prevents her from walking. (For now!!!!)
We are grateful to Associação Salvador (www.associacaosalvador.com), as it was through them that we became aware of Mariana’s situation.
For more information and other donations, contact her mother:+351 913 531 141 — 16.06.2021
Seventh publication by our architecture publishing house
Donation: 1000€
As in March 2021, we made this new donation to Associação Pontes de Caridade, which belongs to the Parish of the Church of Our Lady of Fátima in Lisbon, given their extensive experience in supporting the most underprivileged.
The amount will be used to purchase walkers and other mobility aids, as well as medication for people who would otherwise not have access to it. At times, the lack of these medications prevents them from leaving their homes (due to mobility and other difficulties) and from carrying out essential daily activities.
Association contact: 96 931 87 15
Link to the Patriarchate of Lisbon website (showing the association’s details)
https://www.patriarcado-lisboa.pt/site/index.php?cont_=160&tem=77&id=182
Association contact: +351 969 318 715 +351 969 318 715 — Patriarchate of Lisbon website — May 2022
Event — FAUP (Álvaro Siza, Souto de Moura, António Madureira, Nuno Teixeira)
Event on the book “Álvaro Siza in Detail – Vol. 1” with architects Álvaro Siza Vieira, Eduardo Souto de Moura, António Madureira, and Nuno Teixeira
All House Details donations come from its profits. On this occasion, however, House Details decided to initiate audience donations at this type of event, intended for institutions of recognised merit. A collection box was placed at the entrance of the auditorium under the care of the FAUP Bookshop (Faculty of Architecture, University of Porto).
The box was opened by FAUP Bookshop staff, who counted €3 donated by the public. House Details contributed an additional €150, making the total donation to the Portuguese Institute of Oncology in Porto.
Dates: Event 09.06.2022 • Donation July 2022
In the reissue of the sixth written publication from our architecture publishing house
Total donation: €2,600 — €1,300 to IPO Porto (monetary transfer) + €1,300 to IPO Lisbon (donation of televisions).
Date: December 2022
Eighth publication by our architecture publishing house
Scholarships for working students (1st Edition 2023)
Total donation: €5,000
The announcement of the intention to award scholarships for working students was made via the House Details and Técnica Livraria social media channels (Facebook and Instagram). Posters were also sent to student associations and architecture student groups across the various architecture faculties in the country. Additionally, information was displayed on noticeboards and flyers were left on students’ desks (these last ones placed by us and by students who are friends of ours). Unfortunately, only five applications were received.
Student no. 25037 from the University of Évora was awarded €4,500, as their situation was considered one of extreme hardship in every respect. Student no. 201001152 from the University of Porto received €500. We thank all five applicants for sharing their journeys and circumstances with us. We recognise the merit of each applicant’s excellent achievements and their commendable attitude and character. We are confident of their success in all areas of life and that they will be rewarded accordingly.
The announcement of the scholarship awards began in March, House Details 6 was launched in May, and the funds were disbursed in June.
Date: May 2023
Ninth publication of our architecture publishing house
Scholarships for working students (2nd Edition 2024)
Total Donation : 5000€
As in the first edition, House Details made €5,000 available for scholarships for working students.
All architecture student associations and faculty groups were contacted more than once. If you did not see this announcement posted, on social media, or receive it by email, this was due to decisions made by your peers. Unfortunately, House Details found that this occurred for the second consecutive year. Most did not even respond. The necessary collaboration was not obtained from the two largest student associations of the national architecture faculties.
The distribution of the scholarships took much longer than expected due to the need to carefully evaluate a large number of applications—over 100 (except for Lisbon and Porto, where fewer than 10 applications were received):
€2,500 (tuition payment, February 2025) – University of Évora student: Gaspar Manuel Ginga
€1,678.78 (tuition payment, February 2025) – University of Évora student: Henrique Manuel Francisco
€497 (tuition payment, March 2025) – ISCTE student: Bruna dos Santos Galego
The remaining amount will still be allocated.
Many thanks to all our clients for making this possible — from Técnica Livraria and its architecture-focused publishing house.
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Técnica Livraria decided to make the social mission of its publishing house public (unlike our architecture bookstore, which had already maintained one for many years), as it has an even more international scope, believing this would help spread the philosophy. Fortunately, this proved to be the case. To our delight, several managers and marketing directors from national and international construction material brands, architecture bookstores, book publishers, and even architecture studios came to speak with us so that we could share our experience. Subsequently — although in smaller numbers — some of them adopted and maintained their own social missions, with wonderfully creative and dynamic ideas. For us, this is a great joy. Our warmest and kindest regards to all.