Self-initiated practices in the urban community of Balteiro: design challenges in a post-pandemic setting

Abstract

This research aims to identify, document, interpret and disseminate self-initiated practices in social housing neighborhoods, in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. The study aims to assess the consequences that the COVID-19 pandemic had on these practices and how Design can contribute to the resonance of these initiatives in other equivalent social contexts. Two local initiatives were identified: Recreational Association Clube Balteiro Jovem (ARCBJ) and School Workshop of cartoning and sewing (Escola Oficina). Preliminary work has been carried out with the Vila Nova de Gaia City Council and the aforementioned residents' associations ARCBJ and Escola Oficina. Emic data is being collected through methods of direct and indirect observation, including ethnographic interviews, focus groups, and participant observation. This paper presents the ongoing research project and the results of the preliminary work done.