Design a Sustainable Tomorrow
by creating links and value between natural and cultural Landscape, Architectural Heritage, traditional activities and social habits while introducing a sustainable contemporary way of life
by creating links and value between natural and cultural Landscape, Architectural Heritage, traditional activities
and social habits while introducing a sustainable contemporary way of life
"Foundation DaST is grounded in a sustainable development model shaped and built upon nearly fifty years of practical experience. Responding to the urgency of biodiversity loss and the decline of vernacular architecture, the Foundation carries forward the DaST vision as a committed and fully active force for regenerative change."
story
Since the first DaST aligned project in 1978 in southwest France, the Foundation has pursued a steady and practical path of research, restoration and revitalisation across rural and urban communities and landscapes in different parts of the world.
Working closely with local communities and welcoming the contribution of specialists from a wide range of fields, the Foundation has consistently transformed its initiatives into living classrooms. These environments have supported students from around the world in applying their fields of study while developing self awareness, confidence and a cross cultural mindset. Through this collective approach, the Foundation’s work has evolved into an active community of exchange and collaboration across cultures and disciplines. Over the years, these projects have been recognised by professional bodies and fellow practitioners, including the RICS Award for Urban Regeneration from HM King Charles III, then HRH the Prince of Wales.
Beyond serving local communities and landscapes, the Foundation’s projects also function as case studies and references designed to be applied globally and to inspire emerging changemakers.
This approach led to the formal establishment of Foundation DaST, which continues to build its work in close engagement and co-creation with the community of Torrão, it’s current ongoing project, in Alcácer do Sal, Alentejo, Portugal.
purpose
The Foundation is committed to ensuring that unique places like Torrão are not only preserved but strengthened. With a clear focus on supporting the cultural and natural landscape while fostering local community development, the Foundation promotes action through collaboration, awareness and creative solutions.
vision
The Foundation envisions a world where unique natural and cultural places exist in harmony with the communities that inhabit them, allowing both to grow and thrive together. In this future, communities prosper within a post growth global economy where natural and cultural assets are recognised, valued and responsibly used. Biological and cultural diversity are upheld as essential foundations that strengthen community resilience and openness. Education nurtures and empowers the next generation to carry this vision forward, building a lasting legacy of stewardship, growth and balanced coexistence for all.
mission
Through its projects, the Foundation restores and safeguards natural and cultural landscapes in Portugal and around the world, including the village of Torrão. This work is rooted in collaboration, thoughtful design and community awareness so that local communities can strengthen and care for their cultural and natural heritage.
empowering resilience
"Through conservation and restoration, research and community engagement, the Torrão LAB project aims to strengthen the natural, cultural, social and economic resilience of depopulated villages. It serves as both a case study and a real life classroom for exploring an alternative accounting system and a regenerative economic model."
Torrão Lab
The Torrão LAB is an ambitious initiative focused on integrative urbanism, arts and culture and regenerative tourism. As a major milestone in the journey of designing a sustainable tomorrow, the project seeks to revitalise the depopulated and often overlooked community of Torrão in Alentejo by reconnecting the natural and cultural landscape, architectural heritage, traditional activities and contemporary sustainable living. Through conservation and restoration, research and community engagement, the project aims to strengthen natural, cultural, social and economic resilience. It also functions as a case study and a real life classroom for the development of an alternative accounting system and a regenerative economic model.
The first phase of the Torrão LAB will unfold over a transformative three year period dedicated to collective research and cross disciplinary workshops in Torrão. Through this collaborative effort, global students and professors generate valuable research and insights that guide a holistic regeneration process for the village, positioning the project as a reference for similar territories around the world.
Torrão will serve as a global case study that supports knowledge transfer and documents best practices for sustainable development. Through partnerships with organisations, municipalities and academic institutions around the world, the Foundation encourages collaboration and the exchange of ideas, expertise and resources in the field of sustainable regeneration.
Torrão LAB reflects the Foundation’s vision for designing a sustainable tomorrow through academic rigour, community engagement and cross cultural collaboration. As Torrão evolves into a living example of cross disciplinary research applied to sustainable regeneration, the project creates a meaningful and lasting impact on the local community and contributes to the global pursuit of a more balanced and sustainable future.
The Foundation welcomes patrons, students and professors to take part in the LAB so that, through collective effort, we continue the journey to design a sustainable tomorrow.
Take action
Current members come from diverse backgrounds including architecture, planning, economics, computer science, creative design, communication, arts and culture, policy making, landscape architecture and many other fields.
As a collaborative platform of changemakers united by the aspiration to design a sustainable tomorrow, Foundation DaST brings together individuals and organisations committed to building a more resilient future for Torrão and beyond.
By supporting and joining the Foundation, you become part of a global network of people working together to advance positive transformation in our communities and in the world.
