Sustainability and Urban Regeneration

Transformation of an old factory site in Guimaraes

​REAP Project, HafenCity Univesität

Guimaraes, Portugal



This brochure is the collaborative work of 16 students of the REAP Master Program at the HafenCity Universität in Hamburg, Germany. It presents sustainable solutions for an old industrial (textile factory) site, located in Guimaraes, Portugal. Focus was given to the areas of Energy, Water, Noise and Materials.



The booklet contains a condensed version of the Analysis and Design Solution phases as prepared by  the different groups of students. The proposals shown here focus more on conceptual ideas for the technical and urban sustainable aspects of the chosen site.  



 

Jardim Das Fabricas

Specific participation in Group 2, in collaboration with Lital Shelef Dori, Ramón Osório and August Ismoyo



​Visibility of sustainability
In various sustainable developments, one of the most significant factors in their success is the visibility of their sustainable aspects, making it accessible to all. This visibility enables an ongoing process of education and progress. The newly-created fabric is interwoven with references to the past industry, the culture and the history of Guimarães.

​

Jardim das Fabricas, with its urban location and natural conditions, is seen as a possible catalyst for such a process. Through various tectonic, intellectual and cultural experiences, people gain knowledge that would further advance them towards sustainable living:

• the sustainability playground, illustrating energy and water cycles
and exhibiting actual electricity production;
• an arts and crafts school referring to the historic textile industry
while reverting even farther back to ancient dyeing practices;
• a regional sustainability center with a reuse/recycle center;
• restoration/re-establishment of natural habitats.

​
Dye Cycle
Textile and leather have been dyed since ancient times. Historically, the most widely used dyes were grown locally, later replaced by imports and artificial dyes. Natural dyes create no hazardous waste when produced and used, and in some cases may have a good influence on human health.
Growing these local dye-producing plants - such as weld, madder and woad - on site, has several benefits:

​

• restoring locally grown plants;
• enabling local production of natural dyes for textile;
• revival of ancient craftsmanship skills;
• exhibition of natural cycles through the production processes.

 

 

Relating to the cultural context while connecting it to the everyday industry offers a new reference layer, enriching the experiences of visitors, students and residents alike. The ‚Jardim das Fabricas‘ illustrates this connection, creating a landscaped public park drawing its inspiration from the textile industry while implementing innovative sustainable practices. The functions of the buildings surrounding the park further enhance the ideas of production / culture / involvement - the Arts and Crafts school, the Sustainability Center, the student dorms, the Living/Working complex, the library and the museum
- all offer opportunities for interrelations and encounters and promote stewardship. Jardim das Fabricas becomes the new ‘fabric’ connecting the the past, present and future, while offering a best-practice example of sustainable treatment.
 

 

 

Link to the full PDF Document