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."
intro
Located in inland Portugal, within the municipality of Alcácer do Sal, the parish of Torrão is representative of many depopulated rural towns situated outside major population centres and communication networks, whose cultures, ways of life and intrinsic heritage can no longer be overlooked or undervalued.
Through the Torrão LAB project, conceived as a living laboratory for sustainability, the Foundation works in partnership with the local community and universities to co-create and demonstrate innovative approaches to a green, circular and post-growth economy. The project focuses on the valorisation of cultural and natural heritage and on adaptation to climate change, developing a model designed to inspire replication in other rural and underdeveloped regions worldwide.
project context
In 2023, the sociocultural platform Convento da Terra was created as the embryonic model of the Torrão LAB project. Through this platform, a wide range of Foundation initiatives have been implemented in the village of Torrão. These initiatives are aimed at promoting the study and development of integrated plans for land use, infrastructure and ecological conservation. Within this framework, a territorial inventory was carried out with the involvement of the Torrão community, public entities and national and international universities, including Xi’an Jiaotong University in China, the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom and the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Lisbon.
Within the scope of Convento da Terra, cultural interaction, creativity and co-creation have been actively fostered through the delivery of an artistic and sociocultural programme. From artistic workshops to exhibitions, each initiative has served as a space for expression and meaningful engagement with the Torrão community.
Through this programme, it has been possible to promote cultural exchanges that extend beyond the local context, establishing strategic partnerships with cultural and academic organisations from countries such as Norway, China, France, Canada and Italy, and bringing these collaborations to Torrão.
These initiatives and partnerships, which enrich the local cultural landscape, stand as a clear expression of the founders’ commitment to fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.
In this context, and with the aim of transforming these personal initiatives into an institutional legacy capable of expanding into new areas of action, responsibility for the implementation of these activities, which had been personally funded since 2023, was transferred to the Foundation DaST.
key-objetives
The Torrão LAB project is a transformative regeneration initiative, guided by the Foundation’s commitment to sustainability, cultural valorisation and community empowerment. The project is structured around the following core pillars which, together, ensure the holistic revitalisation of the village, positioning Torrão as an international case study in sustainable solutions:
a) To research, design and implement a post-growth economic model in Torrão, centred on community wellbeing, recognising the value of environmental and cultural heritage, and supported by artistic and cultural programming, promoting prosperity without reliance on continuous traditional economic growth.
b) To inspire, motivate and strengthen the vitality and resilience of Torrão and its community.
c) To encourage and support the local community of Torrão in valuing, caring for and co-creating a sustainable experience rooted in its cultural and natural heritage.
d) To promote Torrão as an open and welcoming community, with strong cultural, social, natural and economic resilience.
e) To restore, strengthen and communicate the identity of Torrão.
f) To establish Torrão as a sustainable conservation case study, capable of being replicated in comparable towns and cities at national and international levels, inspiring and empowering new generations of residents.
g) To contribute to Portugal being recognised as a global reference in post-growth economies and in strengthening the cultural and natural resilience of at-risk and depopulated communities, promoting holistic conservation and quality of life in these territories, while fostering a more balanced relationship between urban and rural populations.
Torrão LAB phases
The implementation of the Torrão LAB project is structured in two phases: Phase 1 (2025–2027) and Phase 2 (2028–2035).
Between 2025 and 2027, the Foundation aims to implement strategic actions across multiple areas, ranging from ecological conservation, energy and regenerative agriculture to economic resilience and cultural programming. This phase will also promote strong academic collaboration, with all activities developed through the active involvement and participation of the local community and population.
Over a three-year period, the primary focus will be the creation of a comprehensive and holistic inventory of the parish. This will include the documentation of its cultural, environmental and economic assets, alongside the development of a sustainable development model designed to address the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century. This phase is expected to be funded through the Foundation’s initial capital, complemented by external contributions.
The second phase, with a duration of seven years, will focus on the implementation of the proposed model following a detailed assessment of its costs and long-term sustainability. Achieving the objectives of this phase will require strong support from companies, foundations and other key stakeholders.
As the results of the Torrão LAB project are consolidated, new projects and initiatives will be defined, enabling the institution to adapt to emerging challenges and to extend its social, cultural and environmental impact beyond the timeframe of the initial project. In this way, the Foundation will continue to act in alignment with its mission and long-term vision.
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."
The development of sustainable tourism will be central to transforming Torrão into a vibrant, culturally rich and environmentally conscious destination. Within the urban fabric, a carefully restored convent will operate as private accommodation, integrating naturally into the surrounding landscape. The wider project includes additional spaces such as artists’ studios, rooms and suites, as well as a hostel dedicated to students. These will be complemented by arts and crafts galleries, a visitor centre and a sculpture park.
This sustainable tourism development project will act as an anchor for the creation of a distinctive destination, deeply rooted in the landscape, the arts and local culture, where existing heritage is both celebrated and actively enhanced. Each space within this vision for an innovative destination expresses a sense of harmony and authenticity, creating an atmosphere that resonates with those seeking meaningful and sustainable travel experiences.