A project for promoting visibility, autonomy, and equality of people with intellectual disabilities in rural and urban areas through design
Aquí há dragões Porto-Matosinhos is the second edition of the “Aquí hay dragones” project by Zuloark. This project works with people with disabilities, aiming to make them visible, empower them, and promote autonomy, skills, and equality within this community.
The initiative promotes inclusive urbanism through artistic practices. Art supports the development of work habits, stimulates observation, and brings about positive changes in individuals, strengthening their self-esteem.
For the Portuguese edition, the proposal was developed as a satellite activity within the framework of the Porto-Matosinhos Design Biennial, with the collaboration of Warehouse Collective, a team of architects and artists as local collaborators and facilitators. We worked hand in hand with the Associations AADID (Associação dos Amigos das Deficiências Intelectuais e Desenvolvimentais) and SOMOS NÓS.
During the two ideation and construction workshops, we shared experiences and learning through walks, conversations, mapping, collages, drawings, music, and picnics. These activities highlighted the environment, flora, fauna, culture, memory, and heritage of the uniquely special areas surrounding the Serralves Foundation, Pasteleira Park, Bairro da Rainha D. Leonor, and the Douro River.
The project culminated in a celebration of the entire process, where participants brought the furniture pieces built during the workshops out temporarily to Pasteleira Park, activating some of its spaces through play and community gathering.
