Resonance(s) as Chan(c)ge | E13 Special Mention
Europan 13 - Azenha do Mar, Portugal
The present project has its origins in Azenha do Mar, a small fishing village located in a remote area on the south-west coast of Portugal. This village, as so many others, embodies its own specificity and essence in the way that relates to the multiple layers where is based. The existing confront between the land and the sea and its associated activities (fishing and agriculture) that generated this place through time; the prosaic habits and dynamics that structure the everyday life of its population and even the presence of a feeling of distance to what is around or a state of dependence on basic structures, which are not there yet. These are just some specific layers which co-exists in Azenha do Mar, among so many others which are still invisible, waiting to be decoded.
RESONANCE(s) as CHANCE . Catalyst Strategy
Based on a profound analysis around the interferences that made an impact on Azenha do Mar´s processes over time, it was discovered resonances that are still visible nowadays: loss of population; precariousness in the public space; vacant lots; lack of basic services and equipments; fishing as a fragile activity; new activities generated by local social associations...
Here, the word Resonance, was selected as a metaphor to describe our specific approach to this place. A metaphor which has an ambivalent meaning: while on one hand it represents the result of a specific process of the place which can be positive or negative; on the other, it has an intrinsic strategy essence of Resonate something new and special in someone/somewhere.
Therefore, we see the existing resonances present nowadays in Azenha do Mar, as chances for change. In fact, we see these resonances as potential catalysts, capable of resonate something in an uncertain and unknown future.
Following this specific way of thinking, it is proposed an alternative methodology to the conventional urban interventions. Our aim is not to impose a deterministic program, disconnected from the real issues (resonances) and the existing specificities in Azenha do Mar. We are not interested in making a blind tabula rasa of all the dynamics and potential remains that co-exists in the place. Instead, we seek to create a realistic matrix of processes which will eventually catalyze new dynamics and activities in an unpredictable future. For that, we propose the creation of a STRUCTURE OF RESONANCE: a structure that is more than a structure. A structure that is a complex process which aims to answer to real problems in an economic sustainable way. A structure that is a methodology that crosses several times, scales and agents in a process of engagement with the place and its population. A structure that invites flexible and many possible scenarios.
RESONANCE(s) as CHANGE . Strategy Matrix
In order to create a structure capable of resonate something engaged with this place, it was define four steps that compose and order the management of this same structure for the present and the future:
— Step 1: Cleaning the garbage and organize the existing deposits of the place (This could happen through a simple action of awareness/engagement within the population).
— Step 2: Demolition of the existing precarious structures.
— Step 3: Definition of a flexible and no-deterministic land regulation in concordance with Odemira Municipality (PDM). This regulation aims to define and regulate what is private/public space; permeable/no-permeable space; platforms of activity (land uses) and possible future construction. Thus, with the creation of this Regulation, the public space could be increased from 30% to 50% (considering that today that is a lack of not only public space, but also of useful and basic public equipments in the place). Furthermore, it was created the concept of platforms of activities located in vacant lots. This platforms can be permeable or not-permeable, inciting open and flexible uses, which eventually will be associated to unknown activities generated in the future.
— Step 4: It is proposed and alternative reconstruction and relocation for the precarious housing that were demolished.
STRUCTURE OF RESONANCES . a Flexible Methodology
Based on the strategy matrix previously explained, which defines the several steps to create a Structure of Resonances in the Azenha do Mar, it is time to understand how this structure engages with the place as a flexible methodology.
The creation of a Structure of Resonances over Azenha do Mar, has a very ambitious goal. A goal of resonate a brighter future for this place. A future that could be capable of generate new possibilities, not only for a very fragile reality but also for a very interesting existing fishing community. We believe, that in order to construct this future, the present project is just a starting point of a very complex process which includes not only us as architects, but also several important agents, such as: the existing population, investors, Odemira Municipality, local social associations, the surrounding villages...just to mention some. Therefore, is relevant to understand that the structure of resonance that is created doesn ́t survive by itself. This structure can only resonate or generate new things if there will be interferences over it, such as social engagement by the existing population in Azenha do Mar and investment by public or private investors.
WHAT IF... EXISTING ACTIVITIES BOOST AND NEW ONES ARE CREATED?
Social Engagement Interference - it is proposed the creation of a participation project in which it would be raised the following question: How can we catalyze sustainable activities over the platforms of activity (vacant lots) in the structure of resonances? From this question, population and local agents, conclude that is sustainable to use this platforms as agriculture soil, resulting in the creation of a local association (Cabaz da Terra) that would support this idea.
Investment Interference - on a first phase it could be made a low investment through local public investors. However, if this activity would be a success, on a second phase, this project could applied to national and European funds, in order to construct a solid and profitable agriculture project to all the community of Azenha do Mar.
WHAT IF... TOURISM BECOMES THE MAIN ACTIVITY?
Social Engagement Interference - it is proposed the creation of a participation project in which it would be raised the following question: How can we enhance Azenha do Mar through existing structures and resources, such as its landscape or its biodiversity? From this question, population and local agents, conclude that generating tourism as a primary activity in this village, could bring new profits for its population, through the use of local accommodation as season rent.
Investment Interference - on a first phase, Azenha do Mar ́s inhabitants who would be interested in rent rooms in their houses, could possible do a small investment on a room, in order to receive possible tourists (in a airbnb type method). Then, if this business would be a success, on a second phase people could construct an appendix to their houses for receiving even more tourists.
Through the creation of these two interferences, it would be possible to use the created Social Structure with hubs and stores related to possible touristic activities, such as diving or walks through the natural park. Moreover, in a long time scale, if the tourism would become the main activity of Azenha do Mar, it could be created an health care centre, in order to attract tourists and to create profits through all the year.
WHAT IF... THERE IS NO INTERFERENCE OVER THE STRUCTURE OF RESONANCE / NOTHING CHANGES?
This is a scenario, which explores the possible consequences to Azenha do Mar, if there is no development in terms of social engagement, sense of belonging and investment. It was created a structure of resonances, that complies with what we believe as important requirements for this place. However, if there is no participation or investment, the structure will certainly change/improve smaller problems, but it won ́t change/improve the bigger picture in Azenha do Mar.
Facing this, what could possibly happen to this place? Perhaps in a long time scale, this community would decrease, because there wouldn ́t exist profitable activities or even attractive opportunities, since the economy of the village is nowadays dependent on a fragile fishing activity and on a local restaurant.
However, we also believe that the structure created has the potential to cross different times and to adapt to changes and to invite new uses, since it was constructed as an open mechanism that will face unknown futures.
CONCLUSION
Following this way of thinking, the existing resonances of the place were seen as catalysts to create a strategy, in order to generate a Structure of Resonances. This structure is a complex process which aims not only to answer to the primary issues of the place, in an economic sustainable way; but also aims to invite flexible and many possible activities. In fact, it is assumed that this structure is an open and unknown mechanism. Open to flexible uses in the future and unknown to the wide range of possible scenarios, that could be developed in this place. Thus, it is presented three possible future scenarios, according to two different types of interferences made over the structure of resonances: a Social Engagement Interference (made by discussion/workshops/social happenings between Azenha do Mar population and local agents) and an Investment Interference (made by possible public or private investors).
To finalise, it is concluded that Azenha do Mar is on a turning point, a point that asks for Chan(c)ges. Chance for a project that is more focused on how to integrate a process that crosses and engages specific agents, scales and constraints of the place. Change for better and meaningful resonances for a still hybrid future.
Credits by:
- Daniel Pereira, Architect
- Fernando Ferreira, Architect
- Sara Ferreira, Architect