Get to Know Us
The Project
This platform explores Alferrara through an integrated reading of geology, landscape, and human occupation.
By combining research and digital modeling, the project reveals how natural processes and cultural practices have shaped the Arrábida over time — with a special focus on the Convents of Alferrara .
Explore the territory through time, space, and interaction.
The research was translated into a progressive 3D territorial model.
Developed using Revit, Twinmotion, and Sketchfab , the model allows users to explore relationships that are not always visible on site.
Who We Are
We are master's students interested in landscape, territory, and the dialogue between natural systems and architecture.
This project reflects our approach to architecture as a way of observing, interpreting, and communicating complex environments.
Contributing Source
NECA — Center for Studies of the Arrábida Coast
Learning Through The Territory
Our understanding of the Arrábida region deepened significantly through direct contact with the Serra do Risco , guided by NECA — Núcleo de Estudos da Costa da Arrábida (Center for Studies of the Arrábida Coast).
NECA is a group dedicated to the study, exploration, and dissemination of knowledge about the Arrábida landscape.
Over the years, its members have identified and documented a large number of the region's caves, contributing decisively to the understanding of the area's geological and natural heritage.
More than research, NECA is committed to sharing knowledge.
Through guided walks, field experiences, educational activities with schools, and collaborations — such as their work with the Convent of Alferrara — the group promotes direct contact with the territory, encouraging people to learn by being present in the landscape.
Serra do Risco
Although this route lies outside the immediate area of the Convent of Alferrara, it played a crucial role in helping us understand the broader dynamics of the mountain range.
Walking the territory allowed us to observe, in situ, how geology, vegetation, access, and human occupation intersect — and often conflict.
Along the path, key issues became evident:
progressive loss of fauna and flora
fragmentation of ecosystems
private developments interrupting historic paths
restricted access to areas of high natural and cultural value
These observations became a fundamental reference for the development of our digital model.
🎥 Watch the video — A day in the Serra do Risco
Why Awareness Matters
Understanding the Arrábida requires more than observing its form.
Through our work with NECA, we became aware of key challenges affecting the serra today:
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decline in fauna and fragile ecosystems
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lack of monitoring and care of caves
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private estates interrupting historic paths and access
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areas of neglect affecting natural and cultural heritage
However, protection does not begin with restriction — it begins with understanding.
There is no stronger way to value a place than through knowledge, presence, and experience.
This platform is not about enforcing protection, but about making the territory visible and understandable.
When people know a place, visit it, and recognise its value, care and responsibility follow naturally.
Shared knowledge becomes a tool for protection.
Acknowledgements ...
Francisco Rasteiro and NECA — Núcleo de Estudos da Costa da Arrábida
Agradecemos ao NECA por nos ter dado a conhecer a Arrábida através da experiência direta.
As caminhadas guiadas, o conhecimento de campo e o trabalho desenvolvido ao longo dos anos na Serra do Risco permitiram-nos compreender a paisagem para além dos mapas — revelando a sua geologia, os seus ecossistemas e as tensões sociais que hoje a atravessam.
Este projeto foi profundamente influenciado pela forma como o NECA promove a aprendizagem através da presença no território.
Fábio Vicente
Agradecemos ao Fábio Vicente por nos ter guiado por Alferrara e pelo Convento.
O seu conhecimento sobre a geologia do lugar, os sistemas de água, as grutas e a história espiritual do sítio foi fundamental para este trabalho. Várias das ideias e citações presentes neste projeto resultam diretamente das suas interpretações da paisagem.
Professor Ana Tomé & Jesse Rafeiro
Agradecemos à Professora Ana Tomé e a Jesse Rafeiro pelo acompanhamento contínuo ao longo de todo o projeto.
O seu apoio, contributo crítico e confiança foram essenciais para orientar o processo de investigação e consolidar a abordagem metodológica que sustenta este trabalho.