How did this initiative start?
Enrique: “It all started with Faro getting involved in the European Creative Rooftop Network. The rooftop of the municipal market was one of the first locations featured in Faro’s rooftop festival. It was a big success because it’s centrally located and spacious enough for people to enjoy.”
What projects have you implemented on the rooftop so far?
Enrique: “After the festival, we set up a rooftop community garden in cooperation with a disabled children’s association. The municipality provided all the materials for a vegetable garden, which the association managed and cultivated, harvesting produce for their use. It was a successful project that lasted three years and worked very well. However, the association no longer has the capacity to manage it, so we’re working on a new project.”
What is the new project about?
Enrique: “Together with the head of the cultural department, we are planning to engage the community more by creating a garden with a small deck on the rooftop. This space will be open for people to express themselves through music, poetry, theater, or any other form of art. We want the community to feel welcome and encourage any expressions of interest in participating. Local entrepreneurs will help sponsor these projects. Additionally, we plan to include a kindergarten for young kids and a small bar or snack bar where people can enjoy drinks, food, tea, and coffee.”
What advice would you give others who want to start a rooftop project?
Enrique: “My advice would be to have a well-sustained idea and listen to the community. Try some pilot events to see what the community wants to do in your spaces and let them decide what they need.”
Enrique’s vision for Faro’s rooftops is a testament to the power of community engagement and innovative thinking. By transforming these often-overlooked spaces into vibrant hubs of activity, he is breathing new life into the city’s architectural heritage and fostering a sense of connection and creativity among its residents.
As we wrap up our conversation, Enrique leaves us with a powerful reminder: “Rooftops have always been an integral part of our daily lives in Faro and the Algarve. Revitalizing these spaces isn’t just about creating new opportunities for leisure and community activities; it’s about reconnecting with our cultural roots and embracing the potential of our urban environment.”
