Desenhar um Amanhà Sustentável
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, currently in the process of formal recognition, is being established based on the sustainable development model envisioned by Frederic and Maria Coustols, drawing from nearly 50 years of hands-on projects. Inspired by the urgency of biodiversity loss and the neglect of vernacular architecture, Frédéric and Maria developed DaST as a guiding vision to help counter these challenges."
história
Since Pierre Frederic Coustols, our mentor’s, first project in 1978 in southwest France, we have embarked on the journey of DaST through measured and concrete efforts of research, restoration and revitalisation of neglected rural and urban communities and landscapes in different parts of the world.
Frederic, alongside his wife Maria, works for and with the local communities, whilst simultaneously inviting contributions from specialists in all relevant fields. Frederic and Maria have also turned their projects into real-life classrooms for students from all over the world to practice their field of study, whilst nurturing their self-awareness, confidence and cross-culture mindset. Under a collective effort, their work has also gradually become a community of cross-cultural and cross-discipline exchange and collaboration. Over the years, their projects have been recognized by fellow enthusiasts and professional bodies including RICS Award for Urban Regeneration from HM King Charles III (then HRH the Prince of Wales).
In addition to benefiting local communities and the landscape, Frédéric and Maria’s projects are designed to serve as case studies and references that can be applied globally and inspire many changemakers.
Such approach inspired the creation of Foundation DaST, currently in the process of formal regonition, which with active engagement and co-creation with the local community, will be established in the village of Torrão, Alcácer do Sal, Portugal.
propósito
Frederic and Maria’s efforts are dedicated to making sure that unique places like Torrão are not only preserved but also improved. Being his goal to help the cultural and natural landscape of this places thrive while supporting its local community development, he promotes action through teamwork, awareness and creative ideas.
visão
Frederic and Maria 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.
missão
Through their projects, Frederic and Maria 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.
empowering resilience
"Through conservation and restoration, research, and community engagement, the Torrão Lab project, as the first project to be developed in 2025 once the foundation is officialy recognized, aims to foster Natural, Cultural, Social, and Economic Resilience of "Depopulated Vilages". A case study and real-life classroom for an alternative accounting system and economic model."
Torrão Lab
The Torrão Lab aims to be an ambitious initiative focused on Integrative Urbanism, Arts & Culture, and Regenerative Tourism. As our latest milestone along the journey of Desigining a Sustainable Tommorrow, the project in Torrão aims to revitalize the depopulated and ‘forgotten’ community of Torrão, Alentejo, Portugal, by regenerating the link between natural and cultural landscape, architectural heritage, traditional activities, and modern sustainable living. Through conservation and restoration, research, and community engagement, the project aims to foster Natural, Cultural, Social, and Economic Resilience. It is also a case study and real-life classroom for an alternative accounting system and economic model.
Torrão Lab will mark, in its first phase, a transformative three-year journey dedicated to collective research and cross-disciplinary workshops in Torrão, Alentejo, Portugal. Through this dynamic initiative, global students and professors generate invaluable research results and findings, which inform a holistic regeneration project for Torrão, setting itself as a case study for similar territories worldwide.
Torrão will serve as a global case study, facilitating knowledge transfer and documenting best practices for sustainable development. By establishing partnerships with organizations, municipalities, and academic institutions globally, we encourage collaborative efforts and exchange of ideas, expertise, and resources in the realm of sustainable regeneration.
Torrão Lab embodies Frederic and Maria’s vision of designing a sustainable tomorrow through academic rigor, community engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration. As Torrão aims to become a living testament to the successful application of cross-disciplinary research in sustainable regeneration, it leaves a lasting impact on both the local community and the global pursuit of a more harmonious and sustainable future.
Frederic and Maria invite patrons, students and professors to be part of the Lab, so that through teamwork we carry on the journey to Design a Sustainable Tomorrow!
