AEIOU

Abstract

The design approach tackles the need to expand the public urban space during the pandemic crisis. The proposal addresses one of the main challenges identified by the municipality of Guimarães: to promote new safe devices of cultural expression in the public space, especially for festivities related to their social and cultural heritage. One example is the Nicolinas celebration, initiated in the 17th century, which traditionally gathers the population in the city centre for playing, dancing and singing. This cultural event has a big impact on the identity of the community. Numerous examples of yearly popular celebrations in European cities have been cancelled or affected due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, such as Las Fallas (Valencia), St. Patrick’s Day (Dublin), Carnival (Venice), Vappu (Finland), among many others.