about us
our story
“We are exploring the imperative shift from growth-centric models to resilient, adaptive frameworks. highlighting the importance of local resilience, emphasizing the need for self-reliance and adaptability in the face of global challenges”
Foundation DaST – Design a Sustainable Tomorrow was founded on the sustainable development model envisioned by Frédéric Coustols over 40 years of hands-on projects. After years in the corporate world of mergers and acquisitions, Frédéric recognised that the relentless pursuit of short-term profit had led to the degradation of natural and cultural resources. This realization sparked a passion for sustainability, deepened through psychoanalysis and global travel. Motivated by the destruction of biodiversity—like the disappearance of bees, frogs, and dragonflies—and the neglect of vernacular architecture, Frédéric developed DaST as a compass to fight against this loss. His vision is grounded in the belief that cultural and environmental landscapes must be preserved not just for their historical importance, but also to ensure a sustainable future. The Foundation’s mission is to promote thermodynamic balance and rethink how we live, build, and develop in harmony with nature, safeguarding the Earth’s beauty and resources for future generations.
At the heart of DaST’s approach is interdisciplinary collaboration, driven by the understanding that while modern specialisation has advanced knowledge, it has also caused us to lose sight of the interconnected whole. Inspired by Tao, which Frédéric read at age 14, DaST embraces a holistic perspective, acknowledging that every action has a ripple effect. The Foundation brings together experts from diverse fields to restore landscapes, conserve vernacular architecture, and develop models of sustainable living. This philosophy is reflected in DaST’s current project in Torrão, a small Portuguese village facing population decline and heritage decay. Torrão represents many communities globally that are experiencing the effects of post-growth economics—a phase where the focus shifts from constant expansion to sustainable practices. Over the next 5-10 years, Foundation DaST aims to revitalise Torrão by integrating its rich cultural heritage with innovative sustainability models, as case studies for similar communities worldwide. A project developed in straight collaboration with TARS association, thought its Convento da Terra, and the local community of Torrão.
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.
vision
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.
core values
"We focus on restoring historic buildings, cityscapes, and natural landscapes, preserving and celebrating local crafts and art, empowering and revitalizing the local community, conducting research workshops and experimental projects, and curating responsible learning and leisure experiences for both local and international students and cultural travellers."
collaboration
Work with different people and groups for effective conservation.
innovation
Use creative ideas for managing landscapes sustainably.
integrity
Be honest, transparent, and ethical.
empowerment
Provide people and communities with the tools and knowledge to make a positive impact.
resilience
Adapt to changes in the environment and promote sustainability.
inclusivity
Welcome diverse contributions to conservation efforts.
education
Increase awareness and understanding of ecological issues.
adaptability
Be and responsive to new challenges.
inspiration
Connect people to nature and cultural heritage through creativity.
stewardship
Taking good care of and protecting important cultural places.
arts, culture & creativity
We recognize the importance of arts and culture in connecting people to landscapes, using creative expressions to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of nature’s beauty and significance. We support artistic endeavors that highlight the cultural and natural heritage of the landscapes we protect, inspiring a collective sense of stewardship and conservation.
key objectives
"To create links and value between Landscape, Architectural Heritage, traditional activities and social habits while introducing a sustainable contemporary way of life"
create connections
Link together the landscape, historical buildings, traditional activities, and local habits to introduce a sustainable modern lifestyle.
promote sustainability
Support a way of living that values nature and cultural heritage, encourages biodiversity, and builds strong, open communities.
educate and empower
Inspire young people by involving them in real projects that show how to live sustainably and share these lessons globally.
key actions
community envolvement
We engage with local people and experts, making our projects valuable learning experiences for future generations.
teamwork
We collaborate with various groups and organizations to research and promote sustainable development.
cultural and educational programs
We create programs and activities that support local communities, improving their economic and social well-being.
sharing information
Sharing Information: We set up ways to exchange knowledge and spread awareness about sustainable practices.
Key Areas of Intervention
“Through dialogue and celebration of local identity, cultural communication enhances understanding, promotes inclusivity, and fosters a profound sense of belonging. We recognize the transformative power of cultural communication in shaping and strengthening our community”
Sustainable Practices
Promote and implement eco-friendly management and practices across all conservation efforts.
Climate Resilience
Develop and implement climate resilience strategies and mitigation efforts.
Ecosystem Protection
Oversee and implement strategies for safeguarding natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
Protect Natural Landscape
Implement and oversee measures to protect natural landscapes and biodiversity from tourism impacts.
Community Empowerment: Local Involvement and Economic Opportunities
Engage communities broadly, create economic opportunities, and ensure community involvement in various conservation efforts.
Educational Initiatives: Workshops, Seminars, and Public Awareness
Develop and manage comprehensive educational programs and raise public awareness on conservation and sustainability.
Research and Innovation: Field Research and Knowledge Sharing
Conduct field research on ecosystems, cultures, and conservation techniques, and share knowledge and innovations across broader areas.
Infrastructure Development: Sustainable Design and Cultural Sensitivity
Oversee the development of infrastructure with a focus on sustainability and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that all projects align with conservation goals.
Collaboration and Partnerships: Local and Global Networks
Develop and maintain relationships with various stakeholders, including local organizations, governments, and international partners.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Impact Assessment and Reporting
Regularly assess the effectiveness of projects, gather feedback, and document and share progress and outcomes.
10 Key Collaboration areas between DaST & TARS
“What characterizes the heritage of a country is its intrinsically unreal and symbolic personality. Its capital or its essence is of a memorial nature. It has the ability to escape the time that saw it being born and to arouse in future ages an emotional response as well as emit a type of immortalizing aura. The days of all human works are numbered. But not in the same way. Those that we call Heritage are those that embody the pulse and passion of immortality so in our imagination they may be the gods we are not”
Eduardo Lourenço
2015
Restoration projects
TARS responsibilities:
- Identify, propose and engage local artists and artisans in the restoration work.
- Develop artistic and cultural exhibits that highlight the restored sites.
Cultural documentation
Record and archive traditional practices and histories.
TARS responsibilities:
- Lead the documentation of traditional arts, crafts, and performances.
- Create a digital archive of cultural artifacts and practices.
- Produce multimedia content (videos, audio recordings) documenting cultural heritage.
Cultural heritage literacy
Teach communities and visitors about local cultural heritage.
TARS responsibilities:
- Design and deliver educational workshops focused on traditional and contemporary arts and culture.
- Develop educational materials and curricula that incorporate local arts.
- Organize cultural events and exhibitions for educational purposes.
Support responsible cultural tourism
Ensure tourism activities contribute to preservation of cultural sites and traditions.
TARS responsibilities:
- Develop and manage cultural programs that offer authentic artistic experiences for tourists to experience as a giveback to the community.
- Train local artists and cultural practitioners to engage responsibly with tourists.
- Create guidelines for responsible arts and cultural tourism practices.
Promote authentic cultural experiences
Develop a programme that offers genuine cultural experiences.
TARS responsibilities:
- Curate and host cultural festivals and events showcasing local arts.
- Collaborate with local artists to create immersive cultural experiences for tourists.
- Ensure that artistic experiences respect and promote local traditions, heritage and/or history.
Arts & culture capacity building
Provide training and resources to help communities manage their own cultural projects.
TARS responsibilities:
- Conduct training workshops for local artists on marketing and tourism engagement.
- Provide resources and mentorship to help artists develop sustainable practices.
- Facilitate networking opportunities for local artists to connect with wider markets.
Youth engagement conservation art programs
Develop programs for schools and young people to inspire future “conservation artists”.
TARS responsibilities:
- Create and implement heritage art-based educational programs for schools.
- Organize youth art competitions and mentorship programs.
- Develop interactive workshops and summer camps focused on arts and culture.
Study tourism impacts
TARS responsibilities:
- Conduct research on the effects of tourism on local arts and cultural practices.
- Develop reports and recommendations on mitigating negative impacts.
- Collaborate with academic institutions on research projects.
Infrastructure for artistic and cultural activities
Develop facilities and services that enhance visitor experience while preserving cultural sites.
TARS responsibilities:
- Ensure infrastructure projects reflect and respect local cultural values.
- Manage spaces for artistic exhibitions and performances.
Collaborative projects and events
Work on collaborative initiatives leveraging various stakeholders’ strengths.
TARS responsibilities:
- Lead the artistic direction and execution of joint cultural projects and events.
- Coordinate with local artists and cultural practitioners for collaborative initiatives.
- Manage logistical aspects of cultural events, ensuring their success.
Below, the video of the making of “When West meets the Orient” theme. A landscape pulse from the Palacio Belmonte, by Philippe Fournier and Guo Qian, on the 31st of July 2011 in the Belmonte Cultural Club, Lisbon, Portugal.
