The Sprout Tank Mocathon event revitalises a historic, abandoned building
The Lisbon HUB-IN team has recently organised another exciting urban regeneration activity: The Sprout Tank Mocathon!
High school students were asked to reimagine sustainable uses for the old municipal wash house, Pátio do Moca. Thanks to the participants’ talent, this historic building was transformed into a vibrant space of creativity. The initiative aimed to leave a positive mark on the city, showcasing how abandoned locations can be returned to the community.
Listening, creativity, and commitment were at the heart of the project
With the support of mentors, students participated in numerous activities, including:
• Creating urban art
• Listening to the community’s desires
• Planting trees
• Developing shaded areas
• Testing an outdoor cinema
• Designing sustainable urban furniture
• Integrating photovoltaic solutions
Community engagement was a key component. Participants held open forums to gather input and understand residents’ needs and wishes, ensuring that the proposals would be welcomed and beneficial. This approach fostered a sense of ownership and pride among the residents, strengthening community bonds.
The students then worked tirelessly to produce tangible, impactful changes. Now, new urban art installations decorate the space, adding vibrant touches that reflect the community’s spirit. These installations and features are designed to be sustainable and to encourage ongoing citizen involvement.
Organised by Lisboa E-Nova and the Lisbon City Council, with the support of the Arroios Parish Council and the HUB-IN – Colina do Castelo project, the Sprout Tank Mocathon was a powerful example of how collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful urban transformation. Following the success of Braşov’s HUB-IN Summer School, this is another demonstration of how young minds can drive change and make a difference in shaping public spaces.
Find out more about Lisbon’s HUB-IN here!
