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
"Our journey towards a more sustainable future requires the concerted efforts of individuals, communities, and organizations working together towards a common goal."
Torrão Village
The Torrão project, led by Foundation DaST, is an ambitious initiative focused on Integrative Urbanism, Arts & Culture, and Regenerative Tourism. It aims to revitalize the depopulated community of Torrão, Alentejo, Portugal, by linking natural and cultural landscape, architectural heritage, traditional activities, and modern sustainable living. Through conservation and restoration, research, and community engagement, the project fosters cultural, social, natural, and economic resilience.
Foundation DaST invites global funders, students and professors to contribute to a holistic regeneration model, positioning Torrão as a case study for sustainable development. By empowering local communities and promoting global knowledge exchange, Torrão Lab exemplifies the Foundation’s vision of creating a sustainable tomorrow.
Why a Foundation today
After 50 years of projects developed by Frédéric Coustols, both within theoretical and practical frameworks and tested operationally on an international scale, DaST (Designing a Sustainable Tomorrow) functions as a multidisciplinary compass aimed at fostering robust and sustainable communities. It does so by integrating landscapes, architecture, heritage, and social values, including the promotion of heritage, culture, arts, territorial design, and visitor experiences as drivers for social and community development.
This approach inspired the creation of Foundation DaST, which, with active community involvement, is currently being implemented in the village of Torrão.
Always starting with a holistic inventory of the elements that constitute life, Foundation DaST seeks to restore the resilience of its community by involving it in co-creation, in partnership with academia and institutions, to develop a sustainable model that can be applied to other locations, internationally.
By promoting the conservation of natural and cultural heritage and territorial design as engines of development, Foundation DaST aims to ensure a balance between resource preservation and the creation of a new, sustainable socio-economic paradigm. It adopts a holistic approach that, alongside cultural initiatives, deepens broader objectives for sustainable development.
working on challenges together
"Through international initiatives and diverse sustainable development projects worldwide, the significance of local action within a global context is underscored. These efforts showcase the principles of sustainable development and highlight the power of grassroots initiatives in driving positive change”
our purpose
We are dedicated to making sure that unique places like Torrão are not only preserved but also improved. Our goal is to help the cultural and natural landscape of this places thrive while supporting its local community development. We do this through teamwork, awareness and creative ideas.
our vision
We envision a world where unique natural and cultural places harmonize with local communities, enabling both to grow and thrive together. In this future, communities flourish in a post-growth global economy, where natural and cultural assets are appropriately valued and utilized. Bio and cultural diversities are sustained, fostering resilience in local communities that remain open and adaptable. Education inspires and empowers the next generation to pursue this vision, creating a legacy of stewardship, growth, and balance for all.
our mission
We restore and protect natural and cultural landscapes as Torrão, in Portugal, and around the world. This means working together, using smart design, and awareness raising so that local communities can take care of their cultural and natural heritage.
