INOVA+ is partnering with the Municipality of Viana do Castelo on the Viana S+T+ARTS Centre project. After assisting the municipality in applying to the European Urban Initiative program, INOVA+ is now involved in implementing this innovative project, which will transform the Former Slaughterhouse into an Innovation Center.

The Viana S+T+ARTS Centre will be established in the Former Slaughterhouse of Viana do Castelo, transforming it into a hub dedicated to artistic, scientific, and technological activities. The building’s rehabilitation will follow the principles of the New European Bauhaus, promoting the integration of science, technology, art, and culture.

INOVA+ will work closely with the local and regional ecosystem, following international best practices, to design the activity plan for the Viana S+T+ARTS Centre for the post-2027 period, and support the municipality in defining the future management model of this building.

Symbolic Transformation of Former Slaughterhouse into Innovation Center

The Former Municipal Slaughterhouse building was constructed in 1926 and has been deactivated since 1990. At the time of its construction, there was a concern to give an attractive appearance to its exterior, and this architectural matrix will not be altered during the rehabilitation.

The conversion of the Former Municipal Slaughterhouse into an Innovation Center symbolizes the transformation of a place once intended for the slaughter of animals into a space for creation and innovation, where new ideas and projects with economic and social impact on the region will be born.

Creative and Sustainable Solutions

The transformation of the building will have a markedly innovative approach, making it the first in Portugal to be fully powered by hydrogen. Based on innovative solutions developed by the Institute for Research and Technological Development in Construction, Energy, Environment, and Sustainability (ITECONS) and the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo (IPVC), the future Viana S+T+ARTS Centre will have high energy efficiency (through wind and photovoltaic energy sources).  The excess renewable energy produced will be stored in a hydrogen system for use during low renewable energy production periods.

With a focus on environmental sustainability and digital innovation, this project, scheduled for completion in December 2026, will also incorporate water efficiency measures, use of smart systems, sustainable and reusable materials, and centralized management systems.

The Viana S+T+ARTS project is co-financed by approximately 5 million euros from the European Commission under the European Urban Initiative and was the only Portuguese application selected in 2023 under the 1st call of the Program.

Viana S+T+ARTS: Collaborative Innovation Center

In addition to the building’s rehabilitation based on the principles of the New European Bauhaus and sustainable construction, another major challenge of the project will be defining its future management and sustainability model, for which INOVA+ will be responsible.

The aim is that, after the building’s rehabilitation, it becomes a collaborative creative laboratory, uniting Science, Technology, and Art, meeting the needs and ambitions of the entire Viana community. Viana S+T+ARTS will thus promote activities where local scientists, entrepreneurs, tech-based companies, artists, or cultural and creative sector companies can meet, exchange synergies, and innovate. The goal is to foster the co-production of innovative and creative solutions in harmony with nature and the oceans, promoting environmental sustainability.

This Innovation Center will include multidisciplinary spaces for co-creation and knowledge sharing. It will be a meeting place for the creation, reflection, discussion, and exhibition of scientific, artistic, and cultural ideas and solutions. It will also be a meeting point connecting the local community with creative and innovative ecosystems in Portugal and across Europe.

International Impact

To increase the impact and replicability of the innovative solutions developed, Viana S+T+ARTS has Transfer Partners in the cities of Brescia, Italy; Brest, France; and Ferrol, Spain.

More details about the project here:Everything starts here

Did you know that INOVA+ has a team dedicated to providing technical assistance to municipalities, municipal associations, and other public administration entities? This team supports the execution of policies for economic development and attractiveness, and the transformation and innovation of territories. Learn more here!

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