The project “Vale de Memórias - Turismo Inclusiva” will occupy a total area of ​​around 300 square metres, where it aims to include all citizens, regardless of their physical, sensory or cognitive condition.

“We are talking about a type of inclusive tourism, in which everyone or almost everyone can fit in. Aware of the impossibility of creating completely accessible solutions, as there is always someone who needs something different, we sought an accessible and pioneering space that is intended to be 100% inclusive and with equipment and services based on innovation and sustainability, which can be used by everyone,” sociologist Dalila Gouveia, the mentor of this project, explained to Lusa.

According to Gouveia, the Vale de Memórias project “meets the needs, limitations or deficiencies of its future users, and tries to make up for the lack of supply of this type of equipment in the municipality of Mogadouro and throughout the region, as well as throughout the country”.

Dalila Gouveia added that this is the first step towards a “pioneering” project that aims to extend, in the future, to other locations in the municipality of Mogadouro or the North region.

“In these less populated areas, this project makes perfect sense, because people come here looking for peace, quiet and well-being. We are here in Vale da Madre, an aging village where the elderly also share their experiences with future users of Vale de Memórias,” she said.

Ana Rita Pombo, the architect responsible for this inclusive project, explained to Lusa news agency that this was “a unique opportunity to deepen an even more inclusive approach in architecture”.

“Creating a fully inclusive architectural project is, in itself, a huge challenge. It goes far beyond complying with legal technical accessibility standards. It requires empathy and a deep understanding of the different ways in which users will experience the space,” she said.

According to the architect, in this particular case, there were very specific challenges: the original building was limited by the abutment walls of the pre-existing constructions, which significantly reduced the freedom of intervention.

“It was necessary to reconcile the demands of accessibility and functionality with the building’s morphology and architectural objectives,” he stressed.

Ana Rita Pombo also added that there was an inclusive approach that had to be above all holistic, considering the physical, sensory, cognitive and cultural needs of people, regardless of age, ability or origin.

“True inclusion begins in the preliminary study phase, and should not be an ‘a posteriori’ adaptation. It is about ensuring that the designed space embraces all its users, promoting equity, autonomy and dignity, from the very first design”, she explained.

According to the architect, “the project was executed through the clear and intuitive organisation of spaces, functional dimensioning of compartments, application of specific equipment, careful use of colors, materials, coatings, and optimisation of natural light, reflecting all this care”.

The start of operations of the “Vale de Memórias - Turismo Inclusivo” project, in its first phase, is scheduled for the end of 2026 and works will begin shortly.

This project will also create two qualified jobs.