Outros Bairros Initiative
by Outros Bairros Initiative
Alto de Bomba, Mindelo, São Vicente, Cape Verde
Project details
Year
2024
Project year
2023
Land area
6965 m²
project website
Team credits
collective
- Outros Bairros
Initiative -
Nuno Flores,
Ângelo Lopes,
Jakob Kling,
Elaine de Pina,
Erickson Fortes,
Ema Barros,
Redy Lima,
Rita Rainho,
Grace Ribeiro,
Manoel Ribeiro,
Maria Miguel Estrela,
Guilherme Gonçalvez,
Francisco Craveiro,
Rafael Martins,
Djamila Inocencia.
commissioned by
MIOTH Ministry of Infrastructure, Spatial Planning and Housing
The Outros Bairros initiative (2019–2022) aimed to rehabilitate Alto de Bomba, Covada de Bruxa and Fernando Pó in Mindelo by focusing on the local population’s way of life. This relational urbanism prioritized listening to residents’ needs, desires and aspirations, rather than following rigid plans. Through an action-research approach, it fostered an intimate dialogue between urbanism and architecture, making the voices of local citizens visible.
Although the physical work was incomplete and infrastructure needs only partially addressed, notable achievements included a group of ten female pavers, Amdjer na Obra, who paved 4,000 m² of streets, and youth groups who composed songs celebrating local life and trades. The rehabilitation of public spaces positively impacted 171 households. Projects improved public spaces, upgraded drainage, electricity, water and sanitation systems, and incorporated three urban-rehabilitation schemes. Using local materials like stone promoted capacity building, enabling residents to execute the work and strengthening their sense of belonging.
The initiative provided work experience for 25 architects and 60 residents, affecting 1,500 residents overall. It recognized Cape Verde’s specific urbanization challenges while addressing broader global socioeconomic processes that affect local urban development. Despite institutional interruptions, the knowledge generated by the project contributes to ongoing discussions on local and global urbanization in a rapidly changing world.
The international team of the INICIATIVA OUTROS BAIRROS (IOB), or Other Neighbourhoods Initiative, has been consolidated over the past 12 years, deepening both professional and personal relationships across two key areas: education and intervention in self-constructed neighbourhoods. First, as architecture and urbanism professors at a local university of art and architecture, and second, as a collective within the Ministry of Infrastructure, Spatial Planning and Housing, responsible for design consultancy, development and execution of the ‘Outros Bairros Initiative’. This experimental action for urban rehabilitation in Cape Verdean cities has honed the team’s ability to understand the built environment and its social dynamics, design in contexts of uncertainty and physical precariousness, create artistic public-space interventions, and mediate relationships between diverse stakeholders to foster greater social engagement.
The prize money will fund the ‘Outros Bairros Seminar’, which will systematize and share the knowledge and experiences gathered by IOB in Cape Verde over the past three years. It aims to promote greater resident involvement in self-constructed neighbourhoods, addressing government disinvestment in social development. By engaging residents, technicians and community agents, the seminar seeks to strengthen cultural expressions and improve social wellbeing. Interdisciplinary activities, workshops and public art projects will culminate in a 15-day event featuring conferences and site visits. The seminar’s findings will be shared through an exhibition and an online archive, connecting various agents and projects related to self-produced areas in Cape Verde. Ultimately, the initiative aspires to inform the development of new public policies for these communities.
- Information for the project text was provided by Outros Bairros Initiative -
Image gallery
Advisory Committee Statement
The ‘Outros Bairros Initiative’ receives the award for Social Engagement for its excellent approach to requalifying public spaces in Alto de Boma, a neighbourhood in Cabo Verde, based on the existing urbanization. The advisory committee applauds the research and action process, reflecting social and urban patterns. The diverse local community’s involvement in the intense daily collaboration between the interdisciplinary team and residents is notable. The residents’ direct role in building and improving public spaces highlights pride and identity at the project’s core. The rehabilitation process is not prescriptive but facilitates the social and technological programme.