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Maker’s Neighbourhood

Part 1 Project 2020
Giannina Sedler
University of East London London | UK
The aim of this project is to incrementally transform this slowly decaying neighbourhood of Montemor o Novo in the region of Alentejo in Portugal into a lively and sustainable one.

The core drive for this regeneration lies on enhancing the traditional making culture, in this case the blacksmith, while preserving the intimacy of social space in the neighbourhood.

In recent years, the city of Montemor o Novo has experienced a growing interest among the Portuguese. This has to do with its proximity to Lisbon and Evora, its plenty cultural programs, and the pronounced sense of community and security among the inhabitants.

However, Montemor is currently lacking opportunities for young people to stay and make a living. The proposed blacksmith will host workshops and organise an apprenticeship program that will provide the possibility to train new blacksmiths. This will also provide employment opportunities and novel income for the municipality. The restructuring of the currently unsuccessful public squares will facilitate the interaction within the community.

These improvements shall only encourage the “creative tourism” (concept where the city is mostly visited by people that engage in creative activities such as workshops), thus preserving the well-appreciated feeling of security that characterises the city.


Tutor(s)

2020
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