Tales from the land and sea
Back in the 1950’s, fisherman from the Algarve’s Sotavento left their villages in search for better living conditions. They settled near Lagos, in a beach called Meia Praia. Despite being very poor and facing very harsh conditions, they had one superpower: community. So together, they built their homes from scraps and woods they found on the beach, with thatched roofs, much like tents, which earned them the name of “Índios da Meia Praia” (Meia Praia Indians).
MOREBy 1974, after the 25 de Abril Revolution (also called the Carnation Revolution), a new housing and development participatory programme was implemented: SAAL - Serviço de Apoio Ambulatório Local (Local Ambulatory Support Service). And architect José Veloso took it to Meia Praia. Again, they summoned their superpower and together, under the design and guidance of the architect and his team, the community built 41 houses, made of concrete and bricks, to house the same number of families still living in Meia-Praia. Everyone helped. While men were at sea, women and children would be carrying materials, building walls, taking shifts in bringing everyone better living conditions. Many of these families are still living in that same place today. Now, perhaps more than ever, it’s time to honour, value and replicate this togetherness, this sense of belonging and community, which will forever be a strength, a superpower.
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Back in the 1950’s, fisherman from the Algarve’s Sotavento left their villages in search for better living conditions. They settled near Lagos, in a beach called Meia Praia. Despite being very poor and facing very harsh conditions, they had one superpower: community. So together, they built their homes from scraps and woods they found on the beach, with thatched roofs, much like tents, which earned them the name of “Índios da Meia Praia” (Meia Praia Indians).
MOREBy 1974, after the 25 de Abril Revolution (also called the Carnation Revolution), a new housing and development participatory programme was implemented: SAAL - Serviço de Apoio Ambulatório Local (Local Ambulatory Support Service). And architect José Veloso took it to Meia Praia. Again, they summoned their superpower and together, under the design and guidance of the architect and his team, the community built 41 houses, made of concrete and bricks, to house the same number of families still living in Meia-Praia. Everyone helped. While men were at sea, women and children would be carrying materials, building walls, taking shifts in bringing everyone better living conditions. Many of these families are still living in that same place today. Now, perhaps more than ever, it’s time to honour, value and replicate this togetherness, this sense of belonging and community, which will forever be a strength, a superpower.
LESS
