Torrão Lab
Torrão: an active sustainability lab
"A real sustainability lab for a project led by students from some of the world’s top universities in a real living context of the depopulated and endangered landscape of Torrão in Alentejo, Portugal"
Our first project, Torrão Lab, will come to life as an ambitious endeavor focused on three interconnected components: Integrative Urbanism, Arts & Culture and Sustainability. This project exemplifies our commitment to researching, conserving, and regenerating depopulated and endangered urban and rural communities with rich cultural and natural capital.
Our key objectives for the Torrão Lab are multifaceted. We aim to create links and value between natural and cultural landscapes, architectural heritage, traditional activities, and social habits while introducing a sustainable contemporary way of life to Torrão. Our vision is to make Torrão an open-door community with strong natural, cultural, social, and economic resilience. Through restoration, enhancement, and communication of Torrão’s identity, we seek to bring hope and vitality to the community while inspiring and empowering the rising generations.
To achieve these objectives, we focus on conservation and restoration of historic buildings, urban and natural landscapes, preserving and celebrating local arts and crafts, empowering and revitalizing the local community follwing a post-growth economy model, conducting research workshops and experimental projects, and curating responsible learning and leisure experiences for both local and international students and cultural travellers.
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.
We capitalize on cross-disciplinary insights and emphasize community-driven design to ensure that the conservation project reflects the aspirations and needs of the local community.
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, we encourage collaborative efforts and exchange of ideas, expertise, and resources in the realm of sustainable regeneration.
Torrão Lab embodies the vision of designing a sustainable tomorrow through academic rigor, community engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration. As Torrão becomes 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.
integrative urbanism
“Revitalizing urban spaces and mapping the path to renewal captures the essence of the Torrão Lab and Academy’s pivotal role in urban revitalization and environmental conservation”
At the heart of this endeavor lies a transformative vision seamlessly blending Integrative Urbanism, Arts & Culture, and Sustainable Tourism to breathe new life into depopulated and endangered urban and rural communities.
The acquisition of a convent and other historical assets by an philanthropist investor, guided by ethical principles and a commitment to conservation, serves as the catalyst for a groundbreaking programme. This collaborative effort, involving the local community and universities worldwide, embodies a shared vision of reimagining the village economics, education, knowledge transfer, and artistic citizenship.
Embracing a community-driven design approach, the project prioritizes the aspirations and needs of the local community, ensuring a sustainable future that resonates globally. Torrão serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration in the sustainable regeneration of endangered and depopulated villages worldwide.
community & cultural commitment
“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”
We believe in fostering connections through culture to create a sustainable, nature-positive society within the concept of post-growth. 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, serving as a vital tool in allowing the community to reflect on its identity, reinvent its character, and adapt to the evolving dynamics of urban life.
The cultural framework Convento da Terra, privately financed by Frederic Coustols as a local platform fostering cultural interaction, creativity, and co-creation, exemplifies our commitment to nurturing cultural exchange and creativity. From artistic workshops to exhibitions, each initiative serves as a platform for co-criation, expression and engagement.
This vibrant cultural exchange extends beyond the local community, with the goal of strategic partnerships bringing cultural and academic organizations from countries such as Norway, China, France, Canada, and Italy to Torrão. These collaborations seek to enrich the cultural landscape and serve as a testament to our commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.
Robust civic engagement and cooperation among local and global entities, Torrão fosters a sense of shared identity and purpose. Mobility, accessibility, and connectivity serve as cornerstones of this integrative approach, fostering balance and inclusivity.
arts & culture
Under the stewardship of "Convento da Terra", the cultural initiatives shine a spotlight on community engagement and creativity. This rekindling of communal ties helps to revitalize the social fabric and offers real-time responses to the collective aspirations of citizens.
The cultural framework Convento da Terra, privately financed by Frederic Coustols, unfolds through meticulously designed curatorial research lines.
Since its inception in May 2023, “Convento da Terra” has spearheaded activities that transcend traditional administrative, political, and cultural boundaries. This rekindling of communal ties helps to revitalize the social fabric and offers real-time responses to the collective aspirations of citizens.
Through arts and culture Torrão emerges as a catalyst for a new regional dynamism, transcending physical and historical confines.
The artistic programme of the village offers a cultural experience focused on conserving and amplifying local identity and traditions. Using different themes to engage various audiences, it emphasizes the importance of aesthetics, blending the uniqueness of the land with creative expressions. Torrão aims to be a unique cultural destination, using art to highlight its distinct character and interactions.
Following principles of sustainability and resilience, Torrão promotes a holistic and inclusive approach to cultural development. This approach encourages community participation and co-creation, helping to shape the village cultural growth.
Convento da Terra transforms Torrão and its surroundings into a space for reflection, strategy, action, and celebration, bringing new energy to the village and unlocking its potential. With its rich history and aspirations, Torrão is not just a place on the map but a vibrant cultural hub in the Alentejo region.
At its core, Convento da Terra is driven by a mission to cultivate a sustainable, nature-positive society within the framework of post-growth principles. This initiative is a testament to the commitment to preserve local heritage, enhance traditional knowledge, and promote holistic restoration.
sustainable tourism
Torrão’s transformation into a laboratory of the 21st century, as envisioned by Carlos Taibo’s concept of Iberia Esvaziada, will signify a paradigm shift towards creative and ethical tourism.
Sustainable tourism development will be at the heart of Torrão’s transformation into a vibrant and eco-conscious cultural destination. Within the urban fabric, a carefully restored convent, as a private guest accommodation, will seamlessly integrate with the surrounding nature, comprising a total of 18 additional spaces, including artist studios, rooms and suites, alongside a 30-bed hostel catering to students. Complementing these will be arts and crafts galleries, a public visitor center, and a sculpture park, all designed to harmonize with Torrão’s unique environment.
The offering will extend beyond traditional tourism experiences, with a focus on culture, workshops, and immersive activities centered on sustainability and holistic well-being. Visitors will be able to participate in workshops on post-growth economics, sustainable techniques and research, and wellness practices, immersing themselves in the ethos of sustainable living.
Guided walkshops will offer opportunities to discover the landscape and it's heritage, exploring the rich history and natural beauty of the territory.
The sustainable tourism project aims to emerge as a unique destination, anchored in landscape, arts, and culture, where the existing framework is celebrated and enhanced. Each space within this vision for a innovative destination exudes a sense of harmony and authenticity, creating a one-of-a-kind 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 similar depopulated territories, will require the concerted efforts of individuals, communities, and organizations working together towards a common 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 will be able to amplify our impact and accelerate progress towards a sustainable tomorrow.
By joining this initiative, we aim to build together a global network of changemakers, working to drive positive transformation.
