Torrão Lab
Torrão: an active sustainability lab
"A real sustainability laboratory led by students from some of the world’s leading universities, set within the living context of the depopulated and at risk landscape of Torrão in Alentejo, Portugal."
Our first project, the Torrão LAB, will come to life as an ambitious initiative built around three interconnected components: integrative urbanism, arts and culture and sustainability. This project reflects our commitment to researching, conserving and regenerating depopulated and at risk urban and rural communities that hold significant cultural and natural value.
The key objectives of the Torrão LAB are multifaceted. We aim to strengthen the connection between natural and cultural landscapes, architectural heritage, traditional activities and local social habits while introducing a sustainable contemporary way of life to Torrão. Our vision is to help Torrão become an open and welcoming community with strong natural, cultural, social and economic resilience. Through the restoration, enhancement and communication of Torrão’s identity, we seek to bring renewed vitality and hope to the village while inspiring and empowering future generations.
To achieve these objectives, we focus on the conservation and restoration of historic buildings and of urban and natural landscapes. We work to preserve and celebrate local arts and crafts, to empower and revitalise the local community through a post growth economic approach and to promote research workshops and experimental projects. We also curate responsible learning and leisure experiences for both local and international students and cultural travellers.
Torrão LAB will begin with a transformative three year phase dedicated to collective research and cross disciplinary workshops in Torrão, Alentejo. Through this dynamic initiative, students and professors from around the world will generate valuable research and insights that guide a holistic regeneration project for the village, positioning it as a reference case for similar territories worldwide.
The Foundation values cross disciplinary knowledge and prioritises community driven design to ensure that the conservation and regeneration work reflects the needs and aspirations of the local community.
Torrão will serve as a global case study that supports knowledge transfer and documents best practices for sustainable development. By establishing partnerships with organisations, municipalities and academic institutions, the Foundation fosters collaboration and the exchange of ideas, expertise and resources in the field of sustainable regeneration.
Torrão LAB reflects the Foundation’s vision of designing a sustainable tomorrow through academic rigour, community engagement and cross cultural collaboration. As Torrão becomes a living example of cross disciplinary research applied to sustainable regeneration, it creates a lasting impact on both the local community and the global pursuit of a more balanced and sustainable future.
integrative urbanism
"Revitalising urban spaces and mapping the path to renewal captures the essence of the Torrão Lab and Academy and its central role in urban revitalisation and environmental conservation."
At the heart of this endeavour is a transformative vision that brings together integrative urbanism, arts and culture and sustainable tourism to breathe new life into depopulated and at risk urban and rural communities.
The acquisition of the convent and other historical assets, guided by ethical principles and a strong commitment to conservation, serves as the catalyst for a groundbreaking programme. This collaborative effort, involving the local community and universities from around the world, reflects a shared vision for reimagining village economics, education, knowledge transfer and artistic citizenship.
Grounded in a community driven design approach, the project prioritises the aspirations and needs of the local community while shaping a sustainable future with global relevance. Torrão stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration in the sustainable regeneration of endangered and depopulated villages worldwide.
community & cultural commitment
"Through dialogue and the celebration of local identity, cultural communication deepens understanding, promotes inclusivity and nurtures a strong sense of belonging. The Foundation recognises the transformative power of cultural communication in shaping and strengthening our community."
We believe in fostering connections through culture in order to build a sustainable and nature positive society within a post growth perspective. Through dialogue and the celebration of local identity, cultural communication strengthens understanding, promotes inclusivity and nurtures a profound sense of belonging.
The Foundation recognises the transformative power of cultural communication in shaping and strengthening the community. It is a vital tool that enables the community to reflect on its identity, reinterpret its character and adapt to the evolving dynamics of contemporary life.
The cultural framework Convento da Terra, privately financed and developed as a local platform for cultural interaction, creativity and co creation, reflects the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing meaningful cultural exchange. From artistic workshops to exhibitions, every initiative creates space for expression, collaboration and shared learning.
This vibrant cultural exchange reaches beyond the local community through strategic partnerships that bring cultural and academic organisations from countries such as Norway, China, France, Canada and Italy to Torrão. These collaborations enrich the cultural landscape and affirm the Foundation’s dedication to promoting cross cultural dialogue and understanding.
Through strong civic engagement and cooperation between local and global partners, Torrão fosters a shared sense of identity and purpose. Mobility, accessibility and connectivity stand as key pillars of this integrative approach, supporting balance and inclusivity across the community.
arts & culture
"Under the stewardship of Convento da Terra, the cultural initiatives highlight community engagement and creativity. This renewed sense of connection helps to revitalise the social fabric and provides timely responses to the collective aspirations of the community."
The cultural framework Convento da Terra, privately financed and developed as an initiative of the Foundation, unfolds through carefully designed curatorial research lines.
Since its inception in May 2023, Convento da Terra has led activities that transcend traditional administrative, political and cultural boundaries. This renewed connection within the community helps to revitalise the social fabric and provides timely responses to the collective aspirations of local residents.
Through arts and culture, Torrão emerges as a catalyst for renewed regional dynamism, moving beyond its physical and historical boundaries.
The village’s artistic programme offers a cultural experience that focuses on conserving and amplifying local identity and traditions. Through diverse thematic approaches that engage different audiences, it highlights the importance of aesthetics and blends the uniqueness of the landscape with contemporary creative expression. Torrão seeks to establish itself as a distinctive cultural destination, using art to reveal and strengthen its character and connections.
Grounded in principles of sustainability and resilience, Torrão promotes a holistic and inclusive approach to cultural development. This approach encourages community participation and co creation, allowing local voices to play an active role in shaping the cultural evolution of the village.
Convento da Terra transforms Torrão and its surroundings into a place of reflection, strategy, action and celebration, bringing renewed energy to the village and revealing its potential. With its rich history and forward looking vision, Torrão stands not only as a point on the map but as a vibrant cultural hub within the Alentejo region.
At its core, Convento da Terra is guided by a mission to cultivate a sustainable and nature positive society grounded in post growth principles. This initiative reflects a strong commitment to preserving local heritage, strengthening traditional knowledge and promoting holistic restoration.
sustainable tourism
"Torrão’s transformation into a twenty first century laboratory, inspired by Carlos Taibo’s concept of Iberia Esvaziada, represents a meaningful shift towards creative and ethical tourism."
Sustainable tourism development will be central to Torrão’s transformation into a vibrant and environmentally conscious cultural destination. Within the urban fabric, a carefully restored convent will function as a private guest accommodation that integrates naturally with its surroundings. The wider project includes eighteen additional spaces such as artist studios, rooms and suites, as well as a thirty bed hostel for students. These will be complemented by arts and crafts galleries, a public visitor centre and a sculpture park, all designed to harmonise with Torrão’s distinctive landscape.
The offering extends beyond traditional tourism by focusing on culture, workshops and immersive activities grounded in sustainability and holistic well being. Visitors will be invited to take part in workshops on post growth economics, sustainable techniques, research and wellness practices, allowing them to engage deeply with the principles of sustainable living.
Guided walkshops will offer opportunities to explore the landscape and its heritage, allowing visitors to discover the rich history and natural beauty of the territory.
The sustainable tourism project aims to become a unique destination rooted in landscape, arts and culture, where the existing heritage is both celebrated and enhanced. Each space within this vision for an innovative destination expresses a sense of harmony and authenticity, creating an atmosphere that resonates with visitors seeking meaningful and sustainable travel experiences.
towards economic transformation
“By strengthening the local economy, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering community cohesion, we are building resilience from the ground up”
In our pursuit of a sustainable tomorrow, the narrative is shifting from growth-centric models to resilient, adaptive frameworks.
The transition to a post-growth economy is at the heart of this paradigm shift. We acknowledge that perpetual economic growth is unsustainable in the long run, leading to resource depletion, environmental degradation, and social inequalities. Instead, we are embracing a model that prioritizes stability, equity, and well-being over relentless expansion.
Sustainable practices not only preserve our environment but also create opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life.
By investing in renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, and green infrastructure, we can build thriving communities that are resilient to future shocks and disruptions.
As we shift towards sustainability, it’s essential to prioritize collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. By working together across sectors and disciplines, we can co-create solutions that address the complex challenges of our time. Through education, awareness-raising, and grassroots action, we can empower individuals and communities to be agents of positive change.
In embracing resilience over growth, we are charting a new course towards a more sustainable and equitable future. By redefining our values, reshaping our systems, and reimagining our relationship with the planet, we can create a world where prosperity is measured not by GDP but by the well-being of all living beings.
collective action
"Our journey towards a more sustainable future for Torrão and for similar depopulated territories depends on the collective efforts of individuals, communities and organisations working together toward a shared goal."
Change cannot happen in isolation. It requires the collaboration and commitment of all stakeholders, from local communities to global institutions. By joining forces, we can amplify our impact and accelerate progress towards a sustainable tomorrow.
By taking part in this initiative, we aim to build together a global network of changemakers committed to driving positive transformation.