CO-(VA) DO VAPOR - Participatory processes in architecture for co-design a community by Graziela Mendes

GrazielaMENDES

[vol. I] February 2020

-(Co-va) do VaporParticipatory processes in architecture for co-designing a community

-(Co-va) do VaporProject development

[CO]va do Vapor - Participatory processes in architecture for [CO]designing a community [vol.I]

[vol. II] June 2020

[vol. I]

VA do VAPOR designing a community

Graziela DE OLIVEIRA MENDES Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree final thesis - PoliTO Turin, February 2020

t o m y m o t h e r a n d f a t h e r.

ABSTRACT

The present thesis aims to deepen understanding of participatory processes for social architecture. It is divided into three sections, including: a theoretical analysis of social and living conditions, as well concepts and methodologies of participatory processes; a description of empirical field research in underprivileged communities; and finally, an architecture and urbanism design preliminary proposal. The focus of this research paper is Portugal, one of the most unequal countries in Europe due to its structural problems, as well as one of the countries where the financial crisis 2010-2014 most exacerbated social inequality and the risk of poverty. The segregation caused by the difference in social classes is materialized in space across Portugal, reflecting the difference of access (or lack of) of opportunities, especially regarding where and how to live. In particular, this thesis highlights ‘Cova do Vapor’, an underprivileged fishing community of informal housing, located on the south bank of Lisbon, in Portugal. The first section introduces community participation as a solution for social transformation and as a mechanism to guarantee political equality in decision-making spaces, and it analyzes how architecture and urbanism can appropriate the methodology of participatory processes in order to improve people’s quality of life. Active civic participation is thus shown to be closely linked to social integration, especially for the groups considered most marginalized in society. The second section advances to the practical application of participation concepts in architecture. It narrates the experience of collaboration in three social participation projects, carried out as training with professional practitioners and academics in the North of Portugal, in order to link implementation in real communities to theoretical concepts of urban co-design techniques, such as social investigation, instrumental analysis, and operational assessment. Finally, it tells the challenges and achievements of conducting a holistic participatory urban social project with residents and stakeholders in Cova do Vapor. The third section consists of a proposal of preliminary urban and architectural design, in response to the result from the participatory process carried out in Cova do Vapor. This final section of this thesis is meant to be continued and finalized, in the context of the Master thesis in Architecture and Urbanism from the Federal University of Brasília, as a part II of the present study.

RIASSUNTO

La presente tesi mira ad approfondire la comprensione dei processi partecipativi per l’architettura sociale. È stata divisa in tre sezioni: un’analisi teorica delle condizioni sociali e modi di vita, insieme ai concetti e metodologie dei processi partecipativi; una descrizione della ricerca sul campo empirica nelle comunità svantaggiate; e, infine, una proposta preliminare di progettazione architettonica e urbana. lo studio di questa tesi è focalizzato sul Portogallo, uno dei paesi più diseguali in Europa a causa dei suoi problemi strutturali, nonché uno dei paesi in cui la crisi finanziaria 2010-2014 ha esacerbato la disuguaglianza sociale e il rischio di povertà. La segregazione causata dalla differenza nelle classi sociali si materializza nello spazio in tutto il paese, riflettendo la differenza di accesso (o mancanza) di opportunità, soprattutto riguardo a dove e come vivere. In particolare, questa tesi evidenzia il villaggio ‘Cova do Vapor’, una comunità di pescatori, umile con alloggi informali, situata sulla riva sud di Lisbona, in Portogallo. La prima sezione introduce la partecipazione della comunità come una delle soluzioni per la trasformazione sociale e come meccanismo per garantire l’uguaglianza politica negli spazi decisionali e analizza come l’architettura e l’urbanistica possano appropriarsi della metodologia dei processi partecipativi al fine di migliorare la qualità della vita delle persone. La partecipazione civica attiva si mostra quindi strettamente legata all’integrazione sociale, specialmente per i gruppi considerati più emarginati nella società. La seconda sezione avanza all’applicazione pratica dei concetti di partecipazione in architettura. Racconta l’esperienza di collaborazione in tre progetti di partecipazione sociale, svolti come formazione con professionisti e accademici nel nord del Portogallo, al fine di collegare l’implementazione in comunità reali a concetti teorici di tecniche di co-design urbano, come l’indagine sociale, analisi strumentale e valutazione operativa. Infine, racconta le sfide e i risultati della conduzione di un progetto sociale urbano partecipativo olistico con i residenti e attori a Cova do Vapor. La terza sezione consiste in una proposta preliminare di progettazione urbana e architettonica, in risposta al risultato del processo partecipativo condotto in Cova do Vapor. Questa sezione finale della presente tesi è in continuazione e sarà finalizzata nel contesto della tesi di laurea magistrale in Architettura e Urbanistica dell’Università Federale di Brasilia, come parte II del presente studio.

RESUMO

A presente tese visa aprofundar o entendimento de processos participativos em arquitetura social. É dividido em três seções, incluindo: uma análise teórica das condições de vida e sociais, bem como conceitos e metodologias de processos participativos; uma descrição da empírica pesquisa de campo em comunidades carentes; e, finalmente, uma proposta preliminar de arquitetura e urbanismo. O foco deste trabalho de investigação é Portugal, um dos países mais desiguais da Europa devido a problemas estruturais, bem como um dos países em que a crise financeira 2010-2014 mais exacerbou a desigualdade social e o risco de pobreza. A segregação causada pela diferença de classes sociais é materializada no espaço em todo o país,refletindo a diferença de acesso (ou falta de) oportunidades, especialmente face a onde e como viver. Em particular, esta tese destaca a ‘Cova do Vapor’, uma comunidade à beira mar, carente, de habitação informal, localizada na margem sul de Lisboa, em Portugal. A primeira seção apresenta a participação da comunidade como uma solução para a transformação social e como um mecanismo para garantir a igualdade política nos espaços de tomada de decisão. Analisa como a arquitetura e o urbanismo podem se apropriar da metodologia dos processos participativos para melhorar a qualidade de vida das pessoas. A participação cívica ativa é assim apresentada em próxima ligação com a integração social, especialmente para grupos marginalizados na sociedade. A segunda seção avança para a aplicação prática dos conceitos de participação na arquitetura. Narra a experiência de estágio em três projetos de participação social, realizados com profissionais e acadêmicos no norte de Portugal. Assim, vincula a implementação, em comunidades reais, de conceitos teóricos de técnicas de co-design urbano, como investigação social, análise instrumental e avaliação operacional. Por fim, relata os desafios e conquistas da realização de um projeto social urbano, participativo, holístico, com residentes e stakeholders, na Cova do Vapor. A terceira seção consiste numa proposta de projeto urbano arquitetônico preliminar, em resposta ao resultado do processo participativo realizado na Cova do Vapor. Esta seção final é uma exploração a ser continuada e finalizada no contexto da tese de mestrado em Arquitetura e Urbanismo da Universidade Federal de Brasília, como segunda parte do presente programa de estudo e intercâmbio com o Instituto Politécnico de Turim.

Motivation and firsts steps

The field work - Cova do Vapor

PART ONE

WHY SOCIAL PARTICIPATION?

Theoretical Framework

Social Problems Social Inequality

Inequality and the Financial Crisis – Portugal and Europe

Social Problems Indicators – Portugal and Europe

Social Participation Active Citizenship + Participation in Voluntary Activities

Social changes indicators after investments in social participation

PARTICIPATION

PART TWO

Practical application of participation concepts

Participation as a way towards democracy and participation actors

PROCESSES FOLLOWED

PDM Maia

Paisagem Protegida Lousada

Laboratório Cívico Santiago

PART THREE

Design proposal

PROCESS CONDUCTED

THEORETICAL APPROACH

Theoretical analysis and practical involvement

Social investigation techniques and procedure of partcipation

METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH Stakeholders

Tools

Strategic approaches

Other ranges

COVA DO VAPOR Location

100

History

104

Socioeconimoc analysis

106

Urban analysis

109

Participatory process data elaboration

114

Responses

116

Mapping the results

118

Design proposal

References

Program

120

Masterplan

124 128 11

MOTIVATION

AND FIRST STEPS

This thesis was motivated by the interest to deepen understanding of participatory processes for social architecture and co-designing methodologies.

The first step was to research theoretical and practical knowledge on methodologies and applications of the theme of “participation”. Then began the journey of immersion in the subject, through field work with Professor José Carlos Mota, author of the doctoral thesis “Spatial Planning: Methodologies, Actors and Participation” , Assistant Professor and Director of the Social Sciences and Political Territory MSc at the University of Aveiro, in Portugal. Thanks to the student mobility program offered by the Polytechnic University of Turin, I was able join Professor Mota’s team for five months, actively collaborating in participatory process projects across Portugal. The participatory action projects in which I was engaged are described in “Part two – chapter 3: Participatory processes followed by the author in Portugal” of this work. The next step was to identify an underprivileged community in need of architectural intervention, to apply my acquired learnings and experience in participatory processes to a real context, as my thesis research project. Through conversations with the University of Aveiro team, in which I was inserted, some neighborhoods and communities located in Portugal were suggested as potential targets for conducting the research. Given the available financial resources, accessibility and feasibility of integration in the community, the place “Cova do Vapor” was chosen - a fishing community of informal housing, located on the south bank of Lisbon, in the municipality of Almada, Portugal. The opportunity to integrate this community was presented by Dr. Sofia Costa Pinto, President of the “Associação Ensaios e Diálogos (EDA)” , which operates in social projects in Lisbon and the region.

1 2

Literal translation. Original term (in portuguese): “Planeamento do território: Metodologias, actores e participação” Portuguese term. Literal translation: “Essays and Dialogues Association” [EDA] 13

image 1: The author facilitating a participatory session in Cova do Vapor | source: JoĂŁo Carmona.

THE FIELD WORK C O - V A D O VA P O R

I first arrived at the field work in Cova do Vapor on August 5th, 2019. A small village of informal housing, marked by its peninsular geography amid the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus river, across the Portuguese capital Lisbon. The underprivileged local community is composed of socially excluded youth, fishermen, retired elders, and shows first signs of gentrification. Its presence between the two bodies of water of historical relevance for the local population grant this almost-island an air of secret, timeless, clandestine settlement by the beach, away from the surrounding industry, mass urbanization, and cheap touristic concessions. Without formal governmental intervention, municipal stewardship is left to residents and merchants who depend on it, while urban planning and strategy have always been missing. The poor aging community is nonetheless especially engaged in civic action, which over the past few years has attracted several youth-led social initiatives to the village. That is what made me chose Cova do Vapor as the target for my dissertation in participatory social architecture, it is also what made it so challenging, as well as rewarding. Missed calls, canceled meetings, false promises or silence were the only feedback provided by the main stakeholder of social affairs in Cova do Vapor, the Residents Association, during the first weeks of field work for the present thesis. I was starting the research for the architecture project which had originally brought me here, temporarily placed alone in a sustainable accommodation nearby the

target community, purposefully located outside the village in order not to influence the subject of study - which later also proved to be the safest choice. This project had been previously agreed with two partners: the Residents Association – the main local actors of civic engagement – and “Biblioteca do Vapor” – the only cultural association in the village. I was asked to plan the hosting building for a new social space, a restoration project for a ruined seaside townhouse, owned by the Residents Association. While trying to unlock the project’s kick-off, the network of social players established during that initial fortnight in Cova do Vapor showed to be keen to launch work, advancing proposals for intervention throughout the village. Moreover, they linked the Residents Association with a series of abuse of power towards the local population, shadow business activities and management of public funding, conflicts with social organizations entering the community, including disputes with our partner “Biblioteca do Vapor” and property claims regarding the building I was supposed to plan. It was made clear I was involved with sensitive matters, and I was glad for my own security that I was not staying inside the village. However, I was still deeply dependent on the Residents Association, due to their immense political influence in the village, and because only they could authorize the use of the town hall I needed to host the participatory sessions. Despite the tremendous potential for social participatory action revealed by the community, my original project was facing a major set-back and it was necessary to adjust the case study’s strategic approach to the local reality. It was a young individual not affiliated to any civic association who was able to unlock the project and allowed my collaboration with the local administration. Ruben Figueiredo, or Xua, as this friendly resident was kindly named by his neighbors, is according to himself one of the nine only native people from his generation who were born and raised in Cova do Vapor. A local surfer, fisherman and a tour guide for seasonal tourists, he is also a small business manager, barman and rapper of the informal bar he sets up

in his small front yard every summer, which is extremely popular among residents and visitors. Xua chased the President of the Residents Association and clarified that I was an independent student researching for an architecture academic thesis, was not affiliated with any of the organizations that was contributing to gentrification, nor was I competing for any social funding. This endorsement opened up the opportunity to meet for the first time with the influent association that had de facto replaced a municipal government and resulted in a revamped approach to the present case study in Cova do Vapor. In a challenging negotiation with the President of the Residents Association, over drinks in Xua’s front yard bar, we finally stroke a deal: I committed to still deliver a technical floor plan draw and provisory layout for a future full architecture project to restore into a social space the ruined seaside townhouse owned by the Residents Association. In their turn, they promised to offer their full support, and grant use of the town hall for the conduction of a holistic participatory urban social project with residents in Cova do Vapor, led by me, addressing the multiple different needs raised by the network of social players, beyond the social space initially agreed. A comprehensive door-to-door survey covering the entire village was launched, to briefly interview residents about their priority concerns about the village, as well as their proposed solutions, which achieved a response rate of approximately 70 people. In parallel, informative flyers were distributed across the village inviting residents to attend a co-design session at Cova do Vapor’s town hall, aimed at improving the living conditions of the local community through participatory social urban planning. image 2: The author first meeting ‘Casa da Curva’ | by author. image 3 (next page): River view from Cova do Vapor. Instalation ‘Varanda (Balcony) Lusíada’ | by author. 17

PART ONE

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Social problems and Social solutions

r o

Social inequality - Portugal and Europe

Portugal: one of the most unequal societies in the European Union

SOCIAL INEQUALITY (or income inequality) refers to a systemic process present in every society in the world. It is characterized by unequal conditions between people. The higher the rates of social inequality, the more noticeable are their negative consequences on society. The presence of such problems in the most disadvantaged and least privileged individuals or part of society is also more noticeable. Analyzing (empirically) the impacts of social inequality on the experience and living in an unequal city - be it large or small - the perception of the consequences and problems generated by inequality are explicit even in the way in which people are geographically distributed. The segregation caused by the difference in social classes is materialized in the social and physical space that makes up the structure of cities, reflecting the access (or lack of access) that people from different classes have to space. Data from socioeconomic surveys that analyzes parameters such as education, health, access to services, employment, among others, confirms in figures and graphs such a difference between social classes, that is also noticeable in the physical spaces of cities.

Scheme of the chapterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s structure | by author.

Examples of the reflection of social inequality materialized in the geographical form and occupation of the city. The photos represent how the space manifests the consequences and problems of an unequal society: housing in inappropriate conditions, lack of basic sanitation (violence, poverty, ... which are also associated with such conditions of existence), contrast with the construction landscape and occupation by better-off people: planning, cleaning, luxury, recreational activities (facilities, less prejudice, culture, education ... which are also associated ...) - when an image shows beyond its own image. 22

image 4: Paraisópolis x Morumbi São Paulo - Brazil | source: unknown. image 5: Neighbourhood’s inequality in Rio de Janeiro - Brazil | source: unknown.

However, from an economic point of view, the presence of some level of inequality in society can be considered as a positive and driving factor for economic development and growth. Harvard economist Richard B. Freeman believes that inequality can be positive for growth, but to some extent. Therefore, after this point, the increase in inequality may mean a fall in economic growth. Freeman defends his point of view with the argument of “just-right inequality” (not so low and not so high inequality): “The few people with the skills or background to compete for the top jobs work hard”, according to Prof Freeman, “While everyone else coasts because they have little or no chance of reaching the top.” (KEELEYiiOECD, 2015, p.66) Yet, understanding the consequences of inequality in society with respect to its impact on economic growth - which may also be positive - demonstrates how dynamic this process is and depends on the variable ways that a society can present its levels of inequality. Such variations can determine the relationship that exists between inequality and economic growth for two main reasons according to researcher Sarah Voitchovsky[1] : inequality can affect how different social groups behave and / or it can affect how different groups interact. “First, inequality may affect how different income groups behave. Second, it may affect how different social groups interact.” (KEELEYiiOECD, 2015)

According with Brian Keeley (OECD), on “Income inequality: The gap between Rich and Poor” published in 2015.

[1]

Inequality and the financial crisis – Portugal and Europe*

As described in the previous chapter, inequality, although it can boost a country’s economic development, has several negative social consequences. Generally, the high level of social inequality is associated to high levels or indicators considered bad for the economic development and quality of life of a society, such as high crime. Portugal is considered one of the most unequal countries in Europe. In addition to be a structural problem, inequality in Portugal was exacerbated by the financial crisis of 2010-2014. The crisis in Portugal originated as a reflection of the global financial crisis of 2007-2008, in the context of the Euro Area public debt. Its impact on the European continent, mainly affected Ireland and the southern European countries, placing Portugal on the list of countries with the greatest economic risks on the continent. With the economy in crisis, Portugal became part of the group pejoratively called PIIGS - an acronym used in matters of economy and finance that makes an analogy to the word “pigs” and represents the poor economic situation of countries: Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain. The sum of structural problems with the financial crisis, has left Portugal with social problems of great relevance, such as an increase in social inequality and the risk of poverty, significantly altering indices of living conditions of the population such as: “Social Conditions”, “Health Status” and “Living Environments”. 24

image 6: Inequality in society | source: 2getty.

Social problems indicators – Portugal and Europe*

The concept of “social inequality” can be measured and compared. Based on data from aspects present in a society - such as factors of educational indexes, income, access to culture and basic services, such as health, sanitation, security, among others - it is possible to establish certain parameters of comparison. Based on numerical calculation indices such as the ‘Gini coefficient’ and ‘The s80 / s20 income quintile share ratio’, it is possible to “measure” the degree of inequality in a society.

GINI coefficient map | by author. data source: Eurostat.

As an illustration and analysis of the condition of Social Inequality in Portugal (for further comparison) in recent years, the Gini Coefficient is presented in this work.

Gini coefficient The ‘Gini Coefficient’[2] (or index) is the most used instrument to measure the degree of inequality of income distribution. It indicates the difference, that is, the inequality between the income of the poorest and the richest. Numerically, the coefficient can vary from 0 - corresponding to perfect equality (hypothetically as if all income is equally divided among all individuals in a society) - to 100 - corresponding to perfect inequality (hypothetically as if all income belongs to the one individual in a society). 26

The index was developed by the Italian statistician and sociologist Corrado Gini and published in 1912 “Variability and Mutability” (Term in Italian: ‘Variabilità e mutabilità’) [2]

The map shows the GINI coefficient of Euro Area countries in 2018, and highlighted in are the PIIGS countries. It is possible to verify that all five countries that were more impacted by the financial crisis (those belonging to the PIIGS group), have higher coefficients than the 30.4 GNI average index of EURO AREA countries: Portugal with 32.1; Italy with 33.4; Ireland with 30.6; Greece with 32.3; and Spain with 33.2. Moreover, this value was even greater in the immediate post-crisis years, with Portugalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GNI coefficient reaching the value of 34.2 in 2011 - the year following the first impacts and consequences of the financial crisis. 27

Risk of Poverty - Portugal and Europe

‘Poverty Risk’ (or Social Exclusion) is a social factor that can be aggravated as a consequence of the increase in social inequality and is also a reflection of a country’s socioeconomic conditions, being directly associated with structural problems. In Portugal, the levels of Poverty Risk, as well as social inequality, have increased, possibly associated with the consequences of the financial crisis. The Eurostat, the European Union’s body responsible for statistical data, defines three situations in which people can be considered at risk of poverty or social exclusion: *persons who are at risk of poverty, in other words, with an equivalized disposable income that is below the at-risk of-poverty threshold; *persons who suffer from severe material deprivation, in other words, those who cannot afford at least four out of nine predefined material items that are considered by most people to be desirable or even necessary to lead an adequate quality of life; *persons (aged 0 to 59) living in a household with very low work intensity, in other words, those living in households where adults worked at more than 20% of their full work potential during the past year.

People who are in at least one of the three situations mentioned are within the Poverty Risk statistics. The greater the social problems, the higher the indicator becomes. Consequently, the need for countries to take steps to reverse or minimize the causes of such problems in society. 28

image 7: Risk of poverty situation in “bairro 6 de maio” in Portugal – Lisbon region (Amadora) | source: José Ferreira.

Social Participation

This chapter presents social participation as one of the possible solutions to social problems and their consequences in society, such as inequality and the risk of poverty mentioned in the previous chapters

*Anastasia Crickley, in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Community development in Europeâ&#x20AC;? image 8: Social Participation in Cova do Vapor - Portugal| by author. 30

In face of the consequences of social problems (evidently worsened by the financial crisis), in March 2010, the European Commission launched a strategy statement for the “Europe 2020” project.[3] Since then, the importance of income and living conditions has grown in European countries, with the aim of achieving one of the five goals of the “Europe 2020” program, related to social inclusion and reducing the risk of poverty [Publications Office of the European Union, 2018][4] On February 20, 2013, the European Commission adopted the “Social Investment Package (SIP)”, as a strategic response to achieve the goals of the “Europe 2020” project, presented in the previous paragraph. SIP is a series of non-binding documents and ‘is intended in the package as the enhancement of people’s capacities and the support to their participation in society (…)’ [EASPD, 2019][5] . With the package, the European Union invited member states to increase and prioritize social investments, with an emphasis on active inclusion strategies [cf. note 2]. Active participation in citizens’ social and cultural activities is closely linked to increasing the quality of life. Therefore, participation and social integration are significant actions in the repair of social problems, especially for the groups considered most marginalized in society. “Living Conditions in Europe – 2018 edition” | Eurostat European Union [5] EASPD (European Association of Services Providers for Persons with Disabilities) 31 [4]

“Communication from the commission: A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth”

[3]

Below are presented the analyzes made available by Eurostat [cf. note 2] regarding the EU-SILC project, conducted in 2015. In this thesis, for comparison purposes, data related to Portugal and the other countries on the list of PIIGS are highlighted.

Social Participation + GINI 90

0,04

0,03

0,02

0,01

-0,01

30 20

-0,02

-0,03

EuroArea

Portugal

Italy

Ireland

Greece

Spain

-0,04

Social Participation + Risk of Poverty 90

60,00%

50,00%

40,00%

30,00%

20,00%

10,00%

30 20

0,00%

-10,00%

The projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social participation module is divided into three terms: Active citizenship; Participation in formal voluntary work; Participation in informal voluntary activities.

EuroArea

Portugal

Italy

Ireland

Greece

Spain

-20,00%

* It is important to note that, for this study, the indicators presented are always in the time interval 2011 and 2018 and the focus of the analysis is the data revealed by PORTUGAL. The other countries (+ EuroArea average) are present for comparative purposes.

Adding up the three categories [cf. note 4] of Social Participation of the countries studied (year 2015) and comparing the graph with the variation of the indices presented in the previous chapter (from 2011 to 2018), it is possible to notice a certain coherence in what it says about social participation in fact being effective in improving the quality of life. The aggregated data (in percentage) of the three analyzed categories of Social Participation are provided by the Eurostat [cf. note 4] and 2015 is the only year available for public viewing. The comparison here is made with the percentage (quantity) of citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; social participation in 2015, with the variation of the coefficients (change in percentage between two periods - 2011 and 2018) GINI and RISK OF POVERTY. In the graph, the bars represent the number of people (in%, left side) who were involved in social participation in the countries presented. The line represents the percentage variation of the GINI coefficient (graph 1) or Risk od Poverty (graph 2), in order to analyze the evolution of the data between the years 2011 and 2018 in the same countries. The analysis of this combined graph (SOCIAL PARTICIPATION + Gini variation/Risk of Poverty) aims to relate the two data and better understand their interactions. The number of people involved in the social participation presented is a positive sign, when compared to the value of the indicators of bad situation. The analysis of the graphs shows that the relationship between the difference in the variation of the coefficients and the amount of social participation is almost direct, which confirms the European Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objective of encouraging its Member States to invest in social policies in the post-crisis period. 33

Following are the analyzes provided by Eurostat [cf. note 4] regarding quality of life, under the themes: House Conditions and Living Conditions. In this thesis, for comparison, the data related to Portugal and the other countries in the list of PIIGS with the average of the Euro Area countries are highlighted. The comparison is made between the years 2011 - considering the worst possible scenario of the last decades with socioeconomic rates affected by the crisis and 2018 - the last analysis available (on Eurostat public website) after the social actions to recover from but the consequences of the financial crisis presented in item 1.b.

Crime, violence or vandalism in the area

Social participation, within the scope of social investments, was considered one of the strategies adopted as a response in favor of improving the quality of life and the rates of social problems aggravated by the crisis in the last decade. Considering the measures and responses taken as one of the possible solutions to social problems, a comparative analysis of the data on living conditions that is directly linked to the social problems presented in item 1.a: Social Problems is presented below.

Pollution, grime or other environmental problems

Social changes indicators after investments in social participation (in Portugal)

Health status - self perception levels (very bad, fair, very good) Very low work intensity

House Conditions Analyzing the two subcategories presented (Crime, Violence or Vandalism in the Area and Polution, Grime or Other Environmental Problems) in the House Conditions category, there is a notable decrease in the problems of crime and pollution perceived in Portugal over the years studied. In the first, it presents values below all the countries compared and in both it is below the average of the EuroArea countries. Living Conditions In the Health Status subcategory, three charts are presented that illustrate the population’s perception of the quality of health in their country. Portugal presents positive data regarding the improvement of health quality between the years 2008 and 2011: a drop in the “very bad” perception rates from 4.9% to 3.9%, but still above the EuroArea countries average; an increase in the rates of the population with a perception of fair health from 32.3% to 35.2%, a perception above the average of the EuroArea countries; and finally, a slight increase in the perception of “very good”, from 9.4% to 9.7%, still below average. This analysis shows that the health issue in Portugal is improving with the policies adopted after the crisis, but they are still low rates when compared to other countries. With regard to the Labor Conditions subcategory, Portugal already had the lowest rate of “very low work intensity” in the countries compared, consequently of the EuroArea average, and even so it fell from 8.2% to 7.2%. 35

r t

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Participation as a way towards democracy and social changes

The theme of participation in architecture is not new. Despite being a term that has been increasingly addressed in recent years in academic research and public policy actions, the use of participatory processes as a project methodology has existed for many years. Considering its approach to contemporary architecture, participation (re-) emerges with relevance around the sixties, as a criticism to the modern movement.[6] Along with the concept of “community architecture”, intellectuals and architects such as the Italian Giancarlo di Carlo, the Dutchman John Habraken and the Englishman John F. C. Turner, contributed to the discussion of the theme, to the concepts and to the practice of participatory processes in architecture. Regarding the etymology of the word, “participation” comes from the Latin word “participatio” (pars + in + actio): to have a part in the action. Now, being part of an action can encompass several meanings, since it is an imprecise definition in itself, especially if taking into account the possible differences in level of “having a part in the action”. “From the diversity of understandings (...) it is possible to identify, in the concept of participating, different degrees or intensities, ranging from the lowest degree (inform) to the highest degree (to be an integral part or to be a part)” [Mota, 2013, p.171]. First, it is important to analyze some concepts and criticisms about the relevance of the individual’s participation, so that a better understanding of the degree or intensity that participatory processes can achieve. 36

Ps.: not only in the scope of architecture. In the late 1960s, it was possible to detect a greater popular use of the term “participation”, due to a wave of demands, mainly by students, who were acclaiming for new areas of participation in higher education, and by groups that sought to implement their rights. Such issues, therefore, created a need to study the position of participation in the context of the current model of democracy. [6]

r a

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The social philosopher Jean Jacques Rosseau, wrote in the 18th century one of the most important arguments of classical thought related to the potentialities of the theme of participation. In his work “On the social contract and principles of political law”, Rousseau defends his vision for the concept of ‘social contract’. For Rosseau, the “social contract” would be a means by which the sovereignty of society would prevail, of the collective will in favor of the preservation of man’s natural freedom along with the well-being of life in society. That is, the ‘social contract’ is carried out through the association of individuals in a society and not by submission [Weffort, 1995]. His political theory is based on the individual participation of each citizen in the decision-making process. Carole Pateman, a British philosopher and feminist critic, in 1970 presents and discusses contemporary democratic theories at the time, revisiting and developing the theories of classical thinkers.[7] Pateman delves into Rousseau’s argument, for example, with regard to citizen participation, arguing that “this participation must be done individually, because he understands that this is the way that guarantees greater independence from collective faculties that can subvert their opinion and make other private interests prevail, placing the faithful in the balance and defense of the public interest in law and in the republic [Mota, 2013]. Presented by Carole Pateman in the book: “Participation and Democratic Theory”

[7]

Considering that the participatory process is carried out to guarantee political equality in decision-making spaces, where individual interests are protected to the maximum while the public 37

interest is also fulfilled. So, the requirements defended by Rousseau presented above, where the author argues that the ideal situation for decision making would be one in which participation was carried out only with individuals, and not through organized groups, are considered as a solution to possible democratic flaws that the mechanism can offer. However, the political scientist Olsen (1965), presents a criticism that confronts the requirement about presented above by Rousseau. Being more skeptical about the participation of individuals, Olsen believes that, as the result of collective action is a public good - and therefore can be enjoyed by everyone (regardless of individual participation) - there would be a possibility that the individuals themselves would not contribute with their participation. individual part in a moment of decision making (participation), in the expectation that the others will do it. Thus, according to the author, it would be practically impossible for the ideal situation for the “good” functioning of participation to happen. Other modern thinkers also have reticent views about the impact of individuals’ participation in democracy, such as Joseph Schupeter (1961), who believes in limiting participation to preserve the functioning of the democratic system. First, it criticizes the defense of participation based on classical theories, - which preached maximum popular participation - an argument also defended by theorists today, under the premise that, among other things, “classical theories were normative and loaded with value, whereas studies more recent ones are scientific and based on empirical data, therefore more reliable.” [Zanibão et al., USP][8] 38

Academic abstract USP | Essay about the Carole Pateman’s book:“Participation and democratic theory” [8]

Next, the author is concerned with the idea that full participation may hinder the security of the democratic system. Basing its analysis on socio-political examples such as the rise of totalitarian states that mobilized considerable masses, participation could be associated with authoritarianism and not with democracy [Pateman, 1970]. In the midst of this awakening of urban consciousness in the 1960s, Sherry Arnstein publishes what turns out to be one of the most revised articles on participation: “A Ladder of Citizen Participation”[9]. Arnstein introduces eight levels (“steps”) of citizen participation (in decision-making), grouped into three categories. From the first category (from bottom to top), considered as ‘Non participation’, which presents its lowest step to’ Manipulation ‘(false involvement), until the last category, called ‘Citizen Power’ with its highest step to ‘Citizen Control’ (full citizen involvement). The top step of the ladder can suggest the “best” level to be achieved in participation. However, the author opposes this idea due to the low professionalism and lack of financial resources that this ladder can present, concluding that the total control of the citizen is also not the best situation, but rather the commitment between citizens and specialized technicians for the function (action planning). Journal of the American Planning Association, Vol. 35, No. 4, July 1969, pp. 216-224.

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So, the role of the technician as an architect, for example, would be to bring together it’s knowledge with the holder of power administration - and the practical knowledge of the user - citizen. 39

PART TWO

P R A C T I C A L A P P L I C AT I O N of participation concepts

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Participatory Process FOLLOWED by the author in Portugal Following the theoretical analysis on participatory processes and their importance in urban transformations, the part two of this thesis presents in the first chapter, four case studies followed by the author on the theme of participation, divided into two categories: top-down and bottom-up. The choice of the projects presented is due to the opportunity for participant observation in both top-down cases [PDM Maia and PPSS Lousada][1] and in one of the bottom-up cases (LabCiv Santiago) [cf. note 1], which the author experienced and served as co-participant of the team of mediators in process stages. The last case presented, within the bottom-up category, was chosen because it is a project carried out in the same place - Cova do Vapor - of the intervention presented in part three of this dissertation. The projects mentioned above were carried out with the team at the University of Aveiro, coordinated by Professor Doctor José Carlos Mota. Such an opportunity for insertion in participatory processes, contributed positively to the knowledge, deepening and experience about the theme of participation during the research stage on the theme addressed in this thesis.

Portuguese terms. Literal translation used on next paragraphs, respectively: “PDM – Plano Director Municipal da Maia: “MDP – Municipal Development Plan of Maia” “PPSS Lousada – Paisagem Protegida Sousa Superior Lousada”: “SSPL – Sousa Superior Protected Landscape” LabCiv Santiago – Laboratório Cívico de Santiago: LabCiv Santiago – Civic Laboratory of Santiago” [1]

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TOP-DOWN PDM MAIA – Participatory processes to review the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) The place Maia is a Portuguese municipality, located in the North Region (NUTSII)[2] of the country and belongs to the District of Porto, integrating the sub-region Metropolitan Area of Porto (NUTS III). With an area of approximately 83 km2 and 137,248 inhabitants,[3] the municipality is subdivided into 10 parishes.[4] The project: Municipal Development Plan – MDP The acronym MDP refers to the “Municipal Development Plan”, a legal instrument that aims to guide and regulate, at the municipal level, land occupation and urban territorial development, in addition to the management of collective equipment. The current MDP in the municipality of Maia was published in 2009 and underwent some changes in the years 2013 and 2017. (source CM – Camara Municipal da Maia) The Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS) [3] Resident population: total and by large age groups. PORDATA. [4] ‘Parish’ is the smallest administrative division in Portugal | Diário da República, Administrative reorganization of the territory of parishes, Law No. 11-A / 2013, of January 28, No. 19/2013, 1st series, Annex I. [5] Maia Municipality | https://www.cm-maia.pt/pages/1606. [2]

The revision of the MDP, in force for nine years in the municipality, was proposed when realizing the need to adjust the plan to the paradigms of the current society. Since environmental, economic and socio-cultural issues are not the same as before, the current plan is considered out of date. “Planning is not a result but a process, which closes opportunities, in a perpetual movement”, so the idea is to review it to better adapt “to the socio-economic reality and adaptation to climate change.”[5] 43

In order to involve the local population in the process of reviewing what represents the main instrument of territorial management, the City Council suggests, in addition to technicians’ analysis, community participation as part of the methodology for preparing the new MDP. “Promotion of active citizen participation, aiming at the adoption of a methodology that is clearly more participatory and continued throughout the process of preparing the plan.”[6] Such participation provides for public actions and participatory sessions in order to allow the population to collaborate in the development of strategies and objectives of the new plan for the municipality. The Participatory Process The participatory process for the review of the PDM Maia is elaborated and mediated by a team of facilitators coordinated by Professor José Carlos Mota, professor and researcher in the Department of Social, Political and Territory Sciences at the University of Aveiro. The plan is divided into four phases, from setting expectations for and reviewing the PDM; elaboration of diagnoses of the territory under the vision of each parish; preparation of proposals and presentation of these to the population. (see table - next page).

[6] Item of the “2nd Review of the Maia Municipal Master Plan - Report on the Rationale, Methodology and Programming of Works

The author was involved in the case study as a participative observer during Phase 2 of the plan, acting as a co-mediator in the participatory sessions and contributing to the collection of information for the content produced as a result (response) of each session: maps of memories and newsletters. The sessions, released to the citizens and main authors of each parish by the team of moderators, took place with the subdivision of participants in groups of approximately ten people chosen randomly. Each participant present contributed to the diagnosis of problems and resources in the territory. Mediators, absent of their own opinion on the issues addressed, are responsible for guiding and leading the process methodology, divided into three stages: image 9: Promotional posters of the PDM-Maiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participatory process | source: google images

Table of the participatory process plan phases | source: Maia municipality. 45

Stages:

Firstly, this phase allows the “unblocking” of possible behavioral tensions generated by the first contact between people chosen at random for a group dynamic. Then, it allows the creation of the “Map of Memories”[7] , where a selection of stories from all participants in the sessions is transcribed through drawings, illustrations and quotes. After the first round of talks, where the ‘stage of memories’ took place, all participants had the opportunity to speak and, when recovering local memories, tend to become more present within the theme of the session: talking about aspects of the parish and the municipality they inhabit. The resource stage deals with local aspects that can be enhanced. That is, spaces, services, activities, etc., that exist - or have already existed - in the community and that should or could be emphasized, carried out, invested. It is requested by the mediator that each participant contribute up to three aspects considered as resources, written on post-its that are read and commented on by the participants. It is an illustrative material summarizing the collective memories of the citizens participating in each parish in the municipality. Material developed by the team responsible for the participatory process; graphics and illustrations by Gil Moreira, architect and mediator on the team. 46 [7]

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Each participant at the table is invited to share memories, stories, personal curiosities about their relationship with the territory. With the help of the mediator, the stories are transcribed, and geographical points commented on by the participants are marked on the map of the parish present at the table during the session.

The dynamics of mediation and participation in this stage are similar to the ‘resources stage’. However, instead of local potentialities, up to three problems present in the parish or municipality are pointed out by the participants, also written on post-its, read and commented on by the participants present. Integration of different groups: (result of phase 2) 11

In order for all those present to be aware of the content produced in the session, all groups elaborate a summary of the resources and problems commented on by the participants of each group, and one of the members is elected to comment the synthesis at the end of the session for all those present. Thus, the sessions are closed with a preliminary result of the subjects covered. The mediators of the team that organizes the participatory process gather to produce the public response material for each session. A document - newsletter - describes briefly what happened in the participatory sessions of each parish and introduces the results of the topics addressed by the citizens, categorized and illustrated in graphs (image xx) image 10: PDM Maia’s participatory process session on “problems” stage| by the author. image 11: PDM Maia’s participatory process session on “memories” stage | source: Municipality of Maia.

[next page] image 12 and image 14: Public newsletters with the participatory session responses | source: University of Aveiro Team image 13: Table with present participants on session | source: Map of Memories 47

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PLANO DIRETOR MUNICIPAL

NEWSLETTER #8 Diagnóstico 02 de Maio de 2019 Junta de Freguesia de Moreira

Sexto encontro de construção de diagnóstico do processo participativo do PDM O Município da Maia está a promover um amplo processo participativo para a elaboração da 2ª Revisão do seu Plano Diretor Municipal (PDM) do qual farão parte um conjunto de iniciativas abertas a todos os cidadãos. No passado dia 08 de maio organizou-se a sexta sessão pública da segunda fase do processo participativo, na Junta de Freguesia de Moreira. Nesta fase, que irá decorrer até ao início de junho, propõe-se a construção de um diagnóstico colaborativo do território. O modelo desta sessão conta com duas etapas. Inicia-se com a partilha de memórias de vivências (desejavelmente apoiada em fotografias antigas) e tem continuidade com uma reflexão sobre as potencialidades e problemas da freguesia e do município. Na terceira fase, que se iniciará em setembro, será incentivada a apresentação de propostas coletivas desenvolvidas pelos cidadãos. Em cada freguesia, uma dessas propostas será testada através de um conjunto de ações experimentais. O resultado consensualizado deste processo validado pelo quadro estratégico do plano e condicionalismos legais, irá integrar a proposta de PDM, que será apresentada no próximo ano.

Diagnóstico colaborativo memórias partilhadas

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Em duas horas de trabalho cívico, cinquenta fregueses de Moreira (da Maia) construíram em conjunto um mapa de memórias, uma espécie de puzzle colaborativo de experiências e vivências comuns, e um diagnóstico sólido, assertivo e equilibrado sobre o estado da sua freguesia, apontando os principais recursos disponíveis e algumas das fragilidades existentes, um notável contributo para a conceção do Plano Diretor Municipal que está agora em fase de revisão.

Relembramos que esta é a sexta sessão nas freguesias do município da Maia, numa dinâmica que já envolveu mais de 320 pessoas. Desde Janeiro, já houve nove sessões públicas que mobilizaram mais de 500 participantes. Sempre com igual entusiasmo e vontade de colaborar. Todo o trabalho produzido (sete newsletters síntese da reunião, quatro mapas de memórias e o registo fotográfico e vídeo das sessões) tem sido enviado aos participantes e está disponível online (https://www.cm-maia.pt/p/revisaopdm, ver em participação/envolvimento -> eventos; o link direto é este https://www.cm-maia.pt/pages/1619). É intenção da equipa que este conjunto de contributos ajude a definir uma agenda coletiva para o território, com objetivos e medidas coerentes, que valorizem os factores distintivos da Maia.

Resultados partilhados preocupações comuns

Após a partilha de memórias e o registo do diagnóstico em “post-its”, cada participante partilhou as suas opiniões sobre os recursos e problemas da freguesia. Ponderadas as referências, a síntese dos contributos é a seguinte:

Posteriormente, expuseram a boa localização, potencializada pela boa acessibilidade externa (20%).

O tema da mobilidade liderou a preocupação dos maiatos (53%). Foram expostos o tráfego intenso, a cobrança de estacionamento em zonas centrais e portagens (SCUTS), e a deficiência de transporte público intramunicipal. A seguir, referiram aspetos relacionados à falta de “vitalidade urbana”, caracterizada pela ausência de atividades comerciais e sociais no centro e efeito dormitório. Também foi mencionada a necessidade de integração urbana com o Bairro do Sobreiro (23%). Finalmente, surgiu a temática ambiental, em especial a poluição do Rio Leça e linhas d’água (8%).

PROBLEMAS

RECURSOS

Os cidadãos destacaram a excelente qualidade dos equipamentos e serviços municipais (32%), com grande referência para as instalações desportivas, seguida do parque escolar.

Com peso equivalente, exaltaram as questões culturais e identitárias, através do património material (quintas, jardins) e imaterial (tradições, cordialidade maiata e tranquilidade), e caracterizaram a freguesia como um local com ótima qualidade de vida (20%).

Há uma energia cívica adormecida nas nossas comunidades à espera de ser ativada e canalizada para fins coletivos. Trata-se de um recurso valioso e quase inesgotável. A viagem ainda agora começou. Ainda vão a tempo de fazer o caminho connosco. Apareçam nas próximas sessões!

Acompanhe o processo participativo PDM FASE 1

FASE 2

FASE 3

FASE 4

EXPECTATIVAS

DIAGNÓSTICO

PROPOSTA

APROVAÇÃO

Jan2019

Mar2019

AGENDA

Jun2019

Águas Santas Castêlo da Maia Cidade da Maia Milheirós Folgosa Moreira Nogueira e Silva Escura Pedrouços São Pedro Fins Vila Nova da Telha

Dez2019

Jun2020

07 de março 21 de março 28 de março 4 de abril 11 de abril 2 de maio 9 de maio 23 de maio 30 de maio 6 de junho

Venha partilhar suas memórias, fotografias, histórias... 49 Inscrições na sede de cada junta de freguesia ou através do e-mail revisaopdmmaia@cm-maia.pt Mais informações: www.cm-maia.pt/p/revisaopdm

TOP-DOWN PPSS - LOUSADA PROTECTED LANDSCAPE The place Lousada is a Portuguese municipality, located in the North Region (NUTS II) [cf. note 2] of the country and belongs to the District of Porto, integrating the sub-region Tâmega e Sousa (NUTS III) 1. With an area of 96km2, 46,815 inhabitants2 the municipality is subdivided into 15 parishes. The project: Sousa Superior Protected Landscape Management Plan (SSPL) In recent years, the Municipality of Lousada has invested in environmental projects and initiatives in the region, in order to enhance its natural heritage and contribute to a development that aims to combine areas such as tourism, leisure, environment and agriculture with concepts of green and sustainable economy. About 13% of the municipality of Lousada is occupied by the river Sousa, an important natural, environmental and cultural element that aggregates the territory. The river has its source in the municipality of Felgueiras and flows into the river Douro, the third longest river in the Iberian peninsula. The region in which the Sousa river occupies the municipality of Lousada, is known as Vale do Sousa Superior and, in view of its natural and cultural relevance, it was decided to create the “Sousa Superior Protected Landscape” (SSPL) project, which project that covers 8 of the 15 parishes in the municipality. 50

Map-scheme explaining the divisions of region (NUTSII), sub-region (NUTSIII) and parishes. | by author

The Participatory Process It was decided to join the project for the Protected Landscape Management Plan and the methodology of the participatory process, involving the community in the entire process of development of the PPSS. In addition to the visibility that the participation experiment may have with environmental interventions, “promoting Lousada as a national reference in sustainability issues”[8] The participatory process for the PPSS Lousada is designed and mediated by the same team as the case study described above MDP Maia - but it includes some variations in the division of the stages, as it is a relatively simpler case, (considering its project’s sizes and quantity of people involved in). Also divided into four phases, from the Diagnosis, the Vision for the Territory, Intervention Proposals to the Operationalization of Actions. The author was involved in the case study as a participative observer during the four phases of the plan, acting as a co-mediator in the participatory sessions and contributing to the collection of information for the content produced as a result (response) of each session, the newsletters.

Projects: BioEscola, Plantar Lousada, BioLousada, Lousada Jardins, Lousada Guarda-Rios, Lousada Charcos, among many others. [8]

The first phase, the “Diagnosis”, presents a methodology similar to that presented as “Phase 2” of the PDM Maia participatory process (previous chapter). Differentiating itself only by uniting more than one parish per meeting of participants, this phase 51

image 15: Sousa River image 16: Promotional calendar poster of the PPSS participatory process image 17: Post-it â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s of the participatory session |source (15, 16, 17): Lousadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s municipality image 18: The author facilitating a participatory session (PPSS project) image 19: Response materials of the participatory sessions (PPSS) |source (18, 19): Universidade de Aveiro team

being concluded in two sessions. The other phases of the process presented, validated and operationalized the proposals generated from the diagnosis with the population, ensuring community involvement in all phases of the PPSS creation process. 15

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BOTTOM-UP SANTIAGO CIVIC LABORATORY – Tactical Urbanism The place This item addresses the civic actions developed in the Santiago neighborhood, located in Aveiro, a Portuguese city located in the Centro Region (NUTSII) [cf. note 2], located in the country and capital of the Aveiro District, integrating the sub-region of the Aveiro Region. It is the capital of a municipality with an area of approximately 197.6 km2, 77,773x inhabitants and subdivided into 10 parishes, where two of them - parish of Gloria and Vera Cruz - make up the capital itself, with an area of approximately 45 km2 and 18,756 inhabitants. The Santiago Neighborhood Santiago is a social neighborhood, built by the Fund for the Promotion of Housing (FFH)[9] to relocate the residents who lived where the University of Aveiro is located today. The multifamily housing complex comprises 35 buildings and a total of 268 housing units.[10] Started in 1983, the neighborhood went through a second phase of relocation, a period accompanied by some problems among the inhabitants and cases of drug trafficking and consumption,[11] making it “(...) one of the most problematic Social Neighborhoods in the city (...)”[12]. Actions and efforts by the local police (PSP), the University of Aveiro and the Florinhas do Vouga Institution [cf. note 12], have contributed to reducing the violence and crime rates in the neighborhood, helping to transform the idea of a ‘dangerous’ neighborhood. 54

Map-scheme explaining the divisions of region (NUTSII), sub-region (NUTSIII) and parishes. | by author Fund for Housing Promotion (FFH) public agency for housing strategies.

[9]

SIPA - Information System for Architectural Heritage.

[10]

SIC Open Neighborhood Report: an unprecedented experience in Aveiro - Journalist Carlos Rico

[11]

IPSS - Florinhas do Vouga: Diocesan Institution of Higher Social Interest

[12]

The project: Santiago Civic Laboratory - LabCiv Santiago ‘Laboratory Civic’ is a political-social platform that allows the dialogue about civil society actions for the city. It is an organized tool for the development and application of ideas “in response to the need to deepen participatory democracy and to involve local communities in building experimental solutions to some problems in their daily lives.” The Civic Laboratory of Santiago was born through the gathering of a group of citizens from the city of Aveiro with the goal of promoting a collaborative social project to resolve collective issues in the community. The structural methodology of LAB CÍVICO Santiago is inspired by the civil laboratory experiments of the “Experimenta Distrito de Madrid”, carried out in Madrid, Spain. The participatory process Aiming to contribute to the improvement of the community, LAB CÍVICO Santiago settled in the neighborhood in March 2019 and opened a call for the community to submit their proposal ideas for projects in favor of the neighborhood, to be carried out collaboratively within the concept of the laboratory, adding knowledge between people. 34 proposals were submitted, a number considered satisfactory due to the amount of people interested in the laboratory initiative for the neighborhood. However, due to the limited time - from April to June 2019 - for the realization of the proposals and wi55

image 20 and 21: Citizen participation on civic laboratory | source: LabCiv. image 22: University of Aveiro Team present at the event held by the LabCiv (“Dia do Vizinho” - Neighbor’s Day) | source: LabCiv

thout any source of funding or budget, only 10 proposals could be selected to be developed.

The ten selected proposals addressed diverse themes, such as gastronomy, photography, design, sports, socializing, etc. (add image of selected proposals). The mentors, a group of professionals who organized the laboratory, were divided into the choice of the proposal (s) they could better follow. The defined proposals, with established proponents and mentors, were disseminated to the community in order to involve citizens during the projects. Meetings between the groups were scheduled under the physical and technical support of the civic laboratory. There were meetings with participatory sessions, when all the groups of each proposal met to discuss the action plans for each project and to interact with the others. These moments of participatory session ensured the laboratory’s participatory functioning structure, collaboration between proposals and the participation and exchange of experience between volunte56

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The jury, composed of LAB CÍVICO mediators, selected 10 proposals according to the evaluation criteria (published before the application). The proposals received were impressive for their creativity, innovation and interest in the number of proponents, so the jury invited some unselected proposers, but with ideas similar to the approved proposals, to contribute to the development of the laboratory’s collaborative dynamics for the improvement of the neighborhood.

[next page] image 23: final LabCiv’s events poster | by author (from LabCiv). image 24: community gathered at the LabCiv’s final event | source LabCiv. image 25: meeting for LabCiv’s activities strategy | source LabCiv. image 26: clipping newspaper article about the LabCiv’s first meeting | sourcee:Diario de Aveiro.

ers (citizens, mentors, proponents), within a group and between groups of different projects. “... and this project in Santiago can be a small experience of how we can promote this movement (of participation) and how it is successful. Which proves that in fact there is no collective disinterest, there is no unwillingness to participate. What has been happening is a lack of opportunity, to use the appropriate methodologies.” [Jose C. Mota in an interview for the SIC news report - Journalist Carlos Rico]

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CONSTRUIR

COMUNIDADE

Bairro Santiago CONSTRUIR

10 de junho de 2019 COMUNIDADE

Programa manhã

Programa tarde

10:00h - 12:00h

14:00h - 16:00h

Nos campos do Bairro de Santiago

no Largo do Cantinho Santiago

A Festa do Futebol

Almoço Partilhado Cachupa Traga algo para partilhar!

10:00h - 12:00h

14:00h - 17:00h

Partilha de Sabores e Saberes /Receitas da CPLP

Workshop de receitas

Exposição dos trabalhos realizados Espaço Mon Na Mon - Largo do Cantinho

Bacalhau à Careca - Brigadeiros - Cachupa

10:00h - 12:00h

Uma Anamorfose em Santiago

Na escadaria do parque, junto ao Jardim de Infância

12:00h

Fotojornalismo na Redação de Santiago Inauguração da Exposição 58

facebook.com/labcivicosantiago

16:00h - 17:00h

Construir Comunidade Música no Bairro | Capoeira Painel Coletivo

17:30h

Hino do Bairro

labcivicosantiago@gmail.com

labcivicosantiago.wordpress.com

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24 26

Participatory Process CONDUCTED by the author in Portugal Following Part Two and as of chapter two, is finally presented the case study conducted by the author in the Cova do Vapor community, a fishing and bathing village on the banks of the Tagus River and the Atlantic Ocean [see story narrated in: The Field Work: Cova do Vapor] The choice of the location as an object of study to promote the participatory process in social architecture was due to the interaction with the team at the University of Aveiro, where the case studies followed by the author described in the previous chapter took place. The following presents the theoretical approach used in the planning and execution of the actions of the participatory process proposed in the community and the entire methodology carried out after the theoretical and practical study conducted for this project. The interaction with the site took place through several face-to-face visits and an extended 15-day immersion action in the community, with daily contact. Such social involvement (researcher / object of study), in addition to the answers to the proposed and carried out process, achieved other results of social impact, also presented in this session. The work presented, conducted by the author, has no involvement with any association / organization, being this planned and carried out solely by the author of this thesis, including all financial costs and contacts with local agents to approach the community. 60

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A P P R O A C H

Theoretical analysis and practical involvement Due to the complexity that is social reality, whatever the community / society, the conduct of a social investigation will always be challenging. The literature presents several methods and techniques for social research and for carrying out participatory processes in communities. The choice of the methodology, used in the participatory process carried out at Cova do Vapor, was elaborated throughout the theoretical research process - through the study of theories and methods (see Part 2, chapter 2) and active involvement in participatory processes in communities in Portugal (see Part 2, chapter 3) - as well as during the period of immersion in the community itself, where some pre-planned methodological approaches were modified in the process. Social investigation techniques and procedure used Participant observation is one of the techniques used during the social research in Cova do Vapor and to carry out the participatory process of this thesis. It is a composite technique, since the observer (author of the thesis) not only observes the case study, but also engages with the target studied, through the involvement and conduct of interviews and their different degrees of formality, for example.

For the present study, participant observation by the author was carried out, with the objective of capturing local subjective experiences. Therefore, the integration in a community in principle unknown, with unknown individuals - from the author to the community, and vice versa - the first process faced, as a result of this methodology of local immersion, was that of “resocialization” where the author had to adapt to the local “norms” and to the local customs of life, in order to increase the trust of the community to carry out the research. Participant observation is an advantageous method for bringing the researcher closer to the community, generating confidence in the research process. However, it also presents risks of the researcher disturbing the results of the social investigation, due to his self-involvement with the object of study. [Burgess, 1995]. Instrumental analysis techniques The first theoretical methodological approach analyzed was the study of the ways in which the instruments of participation can be applied: “the top-down forms, in which the instruments are promoted by the Local Public Administration, the bottom-up (or grass-root) forms - instruments promoted by citizens or groups of citizens -, and hybrid forms, in which the promotion of instruments is the responsibility of independent bodies (NGOs, Universities and Private)” [Mota, 2016].

Top-down The top-down system, from top to bottom, is characterized by its approach being managed by an ‘administrator’, where the level of participation (and the form) will depend completely on the management of the “promoting agent” of the process. The use of instruments directly affects participation [Mota 2016], where various factors (subjective or not) can be induced or disregarded during the process or in the analysis of the results.

Bottom-up Bottom-up systems, on the other hand, present another form of participatory interaction, in addition to that promoted by an administrator, from top to bottom. The approach is part of the civil society initiative, through autonomous networks and outside the control of the government. The concept of “self-organization”, introduced by Boonstra & Boelens (2011) * reinforces - also in its literal meaning - how the bottom-up approach works, from the bottom up, where society organizes itself for participation in the building development or planning your territory.

Hybrid In addition to the participatory approach systems promoted by the administration or organized by the citizens, a set of instruments for promoting participation in territorial planning has been emerging, done in a hybrid way [Mota, 2016, p.205]. This system is promoted by third parties, where an organization is created to support the participation of citizens in the intervention of the territory, with or without the involvement of the administration. More recently, it also emerges as a result of contracting planning with private actors [Noronha, Alves Correia and Oliveira, 2011]. Considering that the participation made for the present work started from a study of its own initiative - student developing a thesis - with the support and participation of a community - citizens and local actors - the methodology of approach of the participatory system used is considered a hybrid system. While in some aspects it may be close to the bottom-up approach, such as the organization of community internal actors for the development of certain activities, the main aspects for the realization of the participatory process in Cova do Vapor here introduced came from outside, from a private stakeholder. Among them, the following stand out: the initiative of the proposal, the administration of the route and activities, evaluation of the results of the process, and consequent urban proposal.

Operational assessment techniques From the point of view of the analysis of the operations carried out for participatory research, two research techniques of analysis were used, described by the indicator methods that allow the assessment of the evolution of the object studied: quantitative and qualitative techniques. Quantitative From a quantitative point of view, the acquired data can be â&#x20AC;&#x153;translatedâ&#x20AC;? into numbers and graphs and are used to evaluate the answers to the proposed questions. Qualitative From a qualitative point of view, more subjective information is explored to evaluate the procedures and their respective results. Particularities of non-measurable or quantifiable research are evaluated in a more empirical way.

M E T H O D O LO G I CA L

A P P R OAC H

[next page] image 27: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Liliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Elder from Cova do Vapor) introducing the community | by author. 67

k e

Stakeholders

The stakeholders listed below were selected through direct or indirect contact with their representatives, and were based on the analysis of their relationships and interests with the participation and architecture project developed. ‘Biblioteca do Vapor’ – BV Vapor’s library - BV Is a library, and the only educational and cultural association based in the community. Founded in 2013 through the project called “Casa do Vapor” , it is the result of the partnership of associations active in social collaborative initiatives in the village: the “Exyzt” architects collective, the EDA association2 and the “Associação de Moradores da Cova do Vapor – AMCV” , with the support of Almada City Council and international volunteers. It’s diverse collection of books was acquired through partnerships with local libraries and book donations by Brazilian and Portuguese publishers. In 2019, the Residents Association demanded to regain possession of the building that the library is located today, and it was agreed the library would move to “Casa da Curva”, a local seaside house in ruins. This led to EDA’s help request to find a solution for BV’s future space, which initiated the participatory architecture process proposed by the present thesis. The institution is considered as a stakeholder for this project because in addition to ordering the beginning of the practical process of this thesis, BV is one of the most active institutions present in the community. 70

Fund for Housing Promotion (FFH) public agency for housing strategies.

[9]

SIPA - Information System for Architectural Heritage.

[10]

SIC Open Neighborhood Report: an unprecedented experience in Aveiro - Journalist Carlos Rico

[11]

IPSS - Florinhas do Vouga: Diocesan Institution of Higher Social Interest

[12]

‘Associação de Moradores da Cova do Vapor – AMCV’ Residents Association of Cova do Vapor’ – AMCV It is a non-profit group consisting of fourteen (14) members. The association is a participating entity of the Local Commission for Monitoring Trafaria’s Coast Strategic Planning. AMCV acts as the main local management body, promoting events and support applications from the local city government for internal works, besides owning properties such as the living space “Espaço Convívio Associação de Moradores” (Living Space Residents Association), the house “Casa da Curva” (Curve House), and the space currently occupied by the BV3. AMCV has collaborated in several social activities that took place in the village, such as the “Casa do Vapor” (Vapor’s House) project4. Residents must contribute an annual quota to have the right to actively participate in association meetings with the community, which prevents the most impoverished elements of the community to have a say in the decisions that affect the village and its people. This limiting factor in the exercise of their democratic rights, leads to frequent conflicts between residents and AMCV. Other associations / companies There are several associations and entities such as “Brigada do Mar”, “Varina”, “Associação Novo Mundo”, “Coletivo Exyzt”, “Associação Ensaios e Diálogos (EDA)”, “The Dune Project”, etc. who have done or are doing actions in the community. 71

In recent years Cova do Vapor has been the place chosen as a theme for various academic researches and social actions and awareness projects. From projects related to environmental protection to the construction of a community house[13] , the presence of collective action and tactical activities[14] makes Cova do Vapor an increasingly well-known and demystified place, attracting tourists and a highly gentrified population. The president of the EDA Association, Dr. Sofia Costa Pinto, introduced me to Cova do Vapor and to the people who live there. In addition to coordinating various social actions that take place in the community, she is an integral part of the AMCV (as a resident, not in the team), has been present for years in the community, has family in Cova do Vapor, and is considered a local inhabitant. Local Commerce Local businesses, besides adding value to the local economy, act as one of the attractions for tourists. Community-marketed foods, such as the “Bolas de Berlim* – made and sold by the bakery Panicova – or the “Cai-bem”*, are famous and attract tourists who come to Cova’s beach, or cyclists who are used to stopping in the community to enjoy those typical foods. There are also restaurants, bars and coffee shops in the village that move a large clientele, especially in the summer and high season.

The “Casa do Vapor” (Vapor’s House)

[13]

For example, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) event, described in the chapter “Other Ranges” in which the work of this thesis was an actor in. [14]

* ‘Bolas de Berlim’ are bakery sweets. It is a fried “flour ball” filled by cream or chocolate topped by sugar. * ‘Cai-bem’ is a refreshing drink composed of “ginjinha” (typical Portuguese cherry liqueur), sparkling water and lemon juice. The drink is typical of Cova do Vapor, but its origin is Venezuelan. The original recipe takes mint instead of lemon and was brought to the community by a family member of one of the village’s residents, Mr. Eduardo, owner of the well-known Panicova bakery. With the success and popularization of the drink, today is marketed by other local restaurants and bars and their taste is various, depending on the establishment.

Residents Represented by the continuous inhabitants and those who frequently go to Cova do Vapor – not just on vacation. Important to notice that Cova do Vapor includes, as a small part of its inhabitants, people who during working days stay in Lisbon or surroundings and return to the village on the weekends. Tourists / out siders Represents people who go to Cova do Vapor to cycle, swim or surf, as to spend the night or short seasons (holidays). Tourists who go to Cova do Vapor are looking for leisure through the beach, dunes and ocean, but are also looking for the attractions on the village itself, either out of curiosity about this curious place - due to its charming and humble illegal housing, or for its typical foods. 73

Analysis â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SNA (stakeholders network analysis) + Influence/Power As an aid tool in the elaboration of the proposed activities, analyzes of the main local actors were carried out, beyond the stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; mapping exercise. In order to better understand the relationship between the main actors, and especially residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; relationships among themselves and with others[14] it was made the Social Network Analysis (SNA). The influence/power analysis intends to understand the degree of influence and power of each actor in relation to the realization of the proposed research project - participation in - social - architecture. By joining the two analyzes in a diagram, it is possible to visualize the interactions, and how each actor is seen as regards the project.*

SNA Scheme [next page]: *Emphasize residents on visualizing internal relationships as they are the main target for the ultimate goal of this paper. * Personal perception analysis performed during the process, as aid in the planning and elaboration of approach strategies. by author.

As residents are the most interested actors in the participatory project of co-creating a new community, the present analysis was focused on their relations (resources) with the other present actors [14]

[next page] image 28: Photos and memories shared at the participatory session in Cova do Vapor | by author.

SNA + Influence/Power Scheme

Instruments

The instruments used during the research were essential for building the proposed methodological process carried out at Cova do Vapor. This chapter explains how each one was used. bike During the period of immersion and daily life in Cova do Vapor, a bicycle was used as locomotion vehicle for the path of approximately one and a half kilometers (1.5km) that separated the rented room in Trafaria and the researched community. The bike, besides facilitating the daily route to CV, allowed the flexibility for experiencing different alternative paths. This was an opportunity to better observe the access to get in and out of the village, especially the discomfort generated by the massive presence of parked cars, one of the topics most raised by the population in interviews and repeatedly during the participatory process itself. cellphone The cell phone was used as a means of communication with the main agents of the community, since the first contact. It worked as a camera as well, recording this projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s different activities, the local landscape and conditions. Laptop computer The laptop was used as support for the preparation and conduct of meetings and sessions. It also worked as an instrument for preparing maps and proposed projects for social actions carried out during the immersion period. 78

Activities

The ‘activities’ represent the practical interactions that were made to perform the participatory processes in the community. They were categorized into the two following types: meetings and session. meetings The first activities carried out for the participatory process were meetings with the main stakeholders impacting the social and political affairs in Cova do Vapor: the BV (Vapor’s Library) team, and members of the AMCV (Residents Association). These meetings had the purpose of presenting the intentions and ideas for the accomplishment of this participatory process. They were fundamental in guaranteeing the achievement of all the field research stage of this thesis, as both key stakeholders agreed to allow and support the research in the community. In addition to introducing the research proposal and starting immersion on the spot, the meetings also allowed to collect response material on the wishes of residents and actors present. Thus, practical research related to the participatory process began with such meetings. Importantly, at the first meetings with the BV team and AMCV members, the objective of the participatory process was still to focus on interventions in the community’s social and collective spaces, focusing on the “Casa da Curva” (Curve House).

image 29: Author’s promotional paper inviting for the participatory session in Cova do Vapor | by author.

Como descrito no início deste trabalho [THE FIELD WORK – COVA DO VAPOR], o seguimento das atividades planejadas e propostas foi desafiador e demandou articulação para a realização da atividade chamada Sessão. Ao fim do percurso de quinze dias de imersão na comunidade, com a autorização da AMCV e apoio da Biblioteca do Vapor, foi realizada a sessão descrita a seguir nas dependências do espaço de Convívio da AMCV. Além do trabalho de campo realizado por meio de entrevistas, imersão cotidiana, aproximação e reuniões citadas, a Sessão pública e aberta à todos os cidadãos oficializou os debates sobre a abordagem desta pesquisa na comunidade. A atividade foi agendada e realizada no sábado, 17 de agosto de 2019 e contou com a presença de representantes de associações, moradores locais e das redondezas* *Bairro Segundo Torrão. Atuando como agente organizador e facilitador do processo, para a realização da sessão, foram necessárias diversas etapas: divulgação da atividade com a distribuição de folhetos porta à porta; preparo metodológico (estratégias de desbloqueio, tempos e ordem de debate); e registro (fotografias e anotações). Além da atividade em si, onde as pessoas foram convidadas a partilharem suas memorias locais e anseios para a melhoria da comunidade, foi ofertado um pequeno lanche como forma de aumentar a interação entre as pessoas e tornar a “reunião” mais descontraída. 80

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image 30: ‘Lili’ showing memories and personal photos at the participatory session in Cova do Vapor | by author. [next page] image 31: Walkway (cloudy weather) in Cova do Vapor | by author.

[Casa da Curva, Parque de Merendas, Parque Infanti

Com o auxilio de mapas da comunidade e seguindo a metodologia estudada e praticada [ver PART TWO, capítulo 1 – Participatory processes followed in Portugal], as pessoas partilharam como MEMÓRIA, histórias e fotografias antigas (requisitado cordialmente no convite à sessão), RECURSOS que a comunidade tem a oferecer e PROBLEMAS que gostariam de solucionar. 30

as suas ideias!

agosto 2019 horas nvívio da AMCV

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Venha partilhar as suas ideias

Sábado, agosto 2019 às horas Espaço de Convívio da AMCV Traga fotos e memórias!

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Immersion and daily life

The decision to experience the daily life of the community, as part of the investigation, was established at the first physical contact with the village. Based on other social integration projects that took place in the community, and under the advice of Dr. Sofia Costa Pinto - the person who introduced me to Cova do Vapor - “immersion and daily life” was established as a strategy and methodological step for the research. This strategy has proved to be efficient in the case study, as it made it possible to get closer to the local people, increasingly reducing the feeling of mistrust of the residents, as the community got used to the presence of the investigation for this thesis. The experience generated bonds of friendship with some people and engagement in other projects that took place at Cova do Vapor, where it was possible to integrate the results of the participatory process studied with a community social action (read chapter other ranges – “Varina CSR Project”). For methodological reasons and based on the literature on “participant observation”, the place chosen to sleep/live during the daily period was not Cova do Vapor, but a neighborhood one and a half kilometers (1.5km) away from the village. Choosing to live in another neighborhood was an attempt to minimizing “the possibility of (the investigator) disturbing the normal course of social interaction” [Burgess, 1995].[15] How explained on Part Two, chapter 3.b

[15]

Unforenseen events

Even with the preparation and planning of actions, unforeseen events happened, and some methodological approaches were modified. Among it is highlighted: conflict of ideals between the main associations - consequent difficulty in dialogue - and alteration of the project proposal to the participatory process - from social spaces to the whole community. Conflict and communication challenges The biggest challenge during the immersion period in Cova do Vapor was to set a date for the public participatory session in the community due to the lack of support from AMCV for this research. This difficulty - unforeseen - is due to the social/political momentum in which the village is under, where the current management of the AMCV and the BV team disagree on the activities to be carried out in Cova do Vapor. Such conflicts of ideas eventually hindered the progress of this research because, without the authorization of the AMCV, it would not have been possible to convene the community to hold the participatory public session. In an attempt to follow through with the initial research plan, there was a difficult and tiring period of insistence, in which several meetings with AMCV were booked and canceled by them, delaying the possibility to work in the community. image 32: Teamwork of the CSR event (description on page 89) | source: Varina 85

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The choice of researching with practical work and physical involvement in the community studied achieved other results beyond the initial objective. The presence and immersion in Cova do Vapor resulted - in addition to friends and unforgettable experiences - in the use of results and implementation of proposals of this participatory project, through a corporate social responsibility event (CSR) * for the benefit of the community, coordinated by a local tourism-recreation company “Varina”* located in Trafaria region. The field work also allowed the opportunity of participation in the major Portuguese public TV channel, through the granting of an interview about social activities (in Cova do Vapor and in the world), where the present thesis was mentioned.

The “Casa do Vapor” (Vapor’s House)

[13]

[14] For example, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) event, described in the chapter “Other Ranges” in which the work of this thesis was an actor in.

Local action Corporate Social Responsibility (Varina and BNP Paribas) The social action project known as the “corporate social responsibility event (CSR)” held at Cova do Vapor, brought together about 150 employees of the BNP Paribas bank in a voluntary social responsibility action, where a private company dedicated a working day to contribute to the social transformation of a community. The event took place on October 4, 2019 and was planned and organized by the local tourism-recreation company “Varina”. “Varina”, based in Trafaria, is a local company that operates in the region, carrying out guided tourist tours and social events, as described above. Joana Calvet, entrepreneur and owner of the company Varina, after learning about the work done for this thesis at Cova do Vapor, got in touch presenting the social action project she envisioned to carry out with Banco BNP Paribas and asked for assistance in the elaboration of a proposal for action. As the budget and hours available for the work of the approximately 150 workers (one day of action) were limited, it was decided to divide them into rotating groups to clean alleys, scraps and sand present near the community. In addition to the cleaning work and considering the community’s responses to the participatory process, it was also proposed to revitalize Picnic Park. As an architecture student and researcher in the community, I contributed to the mapping and zoning of the community for the division of cleaning and systematization groups, and developd a project as a proposal for the revitalization of Picnic Park. Knowing some residents of the community during the immersion process, 89

image 33: Proposal for the Picnic Park’s revitalization | by author. image 34: Revitalization work at Picnic Park image 35: ‘Lili’ working with the CSR project at Picnic Park’s revitalization image 36: Barbecue grill (grelha - churrasco) build by the CSR teamwork - project proposal by author | source 34, 35, 36: Varina.

I proposed the following project to revitalize the space.

Revitalização Parque de Merendas Cova do Vapor

33 muros

pinturas e intervenções artísticas

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guarda-sol em palha

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estrutura metalica e lona de cobertura

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PROPOSTA ESQUEMÁTICA planta baixa esc: 1:100

grelha - churrasco estrutura metálica e lona de cobertura

image 37: Zoning map for the CRSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities | by author. image 38: Proposal CRS project meeting with BNP Paribas Bank image 39 and 40: CRS project teamwork in Cova do Vapor | source 38, 39, 40: Varina. 92

Local Media RTP Interview The second reach of the presence in the community for the realization of this thesis, was an interview granted to RTP (Radio and Television of Portugal, the public service broadcasting organisation of Portugal). The ‘information’ and ‘current affairs’ genre program called “Other Stories” (Programa Outras Histórias), presents in each episode the “story of people or projects that, for some reason, inspire or surprise.” Episode 26 of the second season, called “And the Bugio Here So Nearby ”, presents the main actors of transformative projects in the village by the Tagus river, Cova do Vapor. The journalist Isabel Pereira Santos became interested in the community participation and involvement activity that I was doing and invited me to participate by giving an interview to the program described, about participatory processes in social architecture. The material was shown on national television on October 8, 2019. Program interviw link: <https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/pais/outras-historias-e-o-bugio-aqui-tao-perto_v1174309>