On 23 and 24 of January 2025, a visit of the URBACT ITN 2NITE, lead expert and the representative from the main project partner from Turin, Italy, took place in Famalicao and Braga, Portugal.
During this visit, the guests were introduced to the current situation in the Quadrilátero Urbano, as well as to the local experts and their areas of expertise related to the project and the selected scope of Quadrilátero Urbano. The visit started in the City of Famalicão with a on-spot visit to Associação de Moradores das Lameiras, a social neighbourhood, located in the very city centre of Famalicão.
The 2NITE delegation had the opportunity to meet with the Board of the Inhabitants association and understand the work and the role of this association to improve the night safety of the area of the Social Housing compound. The 2NITE delegation also had the opportunity to visit the Social Centre Facilities of the Association and the nearby Facilities of Famalicão Mobility interface of the City. A recently rehabilitated structure that did improve the safety feeling of all “Centro de Transportes de Famalicão” areas. Quadrilátero Urbano did promote a lunch with the representatives from the Quadrilátero Urbano and the representatives from Torino and the 2NITE Lead expert. The main meeting was held in Braga at the Human Power Hub, and marked the official constitution of the Quadrilátero Urbano 2NITE ULG, with representatives from the Municipalities of Braga, Famalicão and Barcelos.
"It was an unique opportunity to know more about Torino Actions and know from the 2NITE Lead expert the main guidelines to implement during the project."
After the ULG meeting in the HPH, guests visited the City Centre of Braga. On the 24th of January the, 2NITE Guest, visited another social neighbourhood this time in the City of Braga. Santa Tecla is a Social neighbourhood with a predominant Roma Community and 2NITE delegation and hosted by BragaHabit E.M, the City of Braga Social Housing that owns most of the houses of the Social neighbourhood.
The delegation did Visit Red Cross Braga Facilities and get acquainted with many projects and initiatives that are promoted within the neighbours. This visit was an essential step in the ongoing collaboration between Riga and Quadrilátero urbano, helping to build a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities for improving urban safety and planning, particularly in the context of the project's focus on enhancing the sense of security during nighttime in the Cities of the Quadrilátero Urbano.
The Social neighborhood of Lameiras in Famalicão and Santa Tecla in Braga were selected as the pilot areas for the visit. The Social Challenges and the methods and solutions developed to improve security in Lameiras and Santa Tecla can be adapted and applied in other similar neighborhoods of the Quadrilátero Urbano and EU cities that have comparable urban structures. This is particularly important because these neighborhoods often share common challenges, such as lack of public safety, especially during nighttime hours, inadequate infrastructure, and low community participation. Lameiras and Santa Tecla are also known for its demographic diversity, as it is home to both local residents and people from various cultures and backgrounds, with significant role of Roma community. This diversity presents both unique opportunities and challenges when it comes to community integration and improving
2NITE - Livable urban spaces for safer cities security, as each group may have different needs and perceptions of safety. Therefore, it is crucial that the methods developed in the project are flexible and adaptable to the various cultural and social situations, taking into account the specific characteristics of the neighborhood’s population.
The initiatives and solutions developed by Associação de Moradores das Lameiras and Red Cross Braga in this project will not only contribute to improving the sense of safety in these neighbourhoods, but will also be used in the creation of Quadrilátero Urbano nighttime planning and governance policy. This policy will be a significant step in the Minho Metropolitan Area development planning, as it will help create a safer and more attractive environment for both residents and visitors. The development of this planning policy will include specific measures aimed at improving safety at night, such as the installation of additional lighting, the development of nighttime public transportation options, as well as engaging and educating residents on safety issues.
“The Role of Lameiras Residents Association is crucial to bring peace and prosperity to the neighborhood”
