Following a World Café approach, residents gathered in a circle in a public space to engage in open, honest dialogue. Discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities associated with the neighborhood’s dwellings, shared interface spaces, and public areas. A central theme was co-evolution, how residents, local organizations, and institutions can build trust and collaborate toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
This was the first direct session with residents, aimed at creating a foundation of trust and shared understanding. Participants were introduced to the project, and residents were invited to express their daily concerns, challenges, and ideas. Through open dialogue, the workshop created a space for listening and mutual learning, helping residents feel informed, included, and ready to imagine change together.
The session was further strengthened by the presence of key stakeholders, including representatives from waste management company, MatosinhosHabit, the social housing enterprise, municipal authorities, and a social care association, reinforcing the importance of collaboration across sectors for a successful energy transition. This workshop served as a valuable moment for building community engagement, identifying local priorities, and establishing trust, all essential first steps in a longer process of neighborhood transformation.

What’s Next?
Future sessions will build on this momentum by diving deeper into two key themes:
• Energy & Climate Awareness + Comfort Ideas
Residents will explore the goals of the energy transition, learn about cost-saving behaviors, and co-develop ideas for making homes and shared spaces more comfortable and energy-efficient.
• Problem Solving & Collective Action
Future activities will involve identifying specific building-related issues, co-creating solutions with residents, and initiating small collective actions to enhance communal and open spaces, empowering residents to shape their living environment together.