Transforming Community Spaces: The Cabral Lookout Project

The Cabral Lookout project, spearheaded by Cidade Quintal in collaboration with local residents, stands as a remarkable example of community-driven urban improvement initiatives. By repurposing thousands of plastic caps donated by residents of the Morro do Quadro neighborhood in Vitória-ES, the project has revitalized a significant public space while fostering a sense of community ownership and pride.

Community-Led Revitalization

Situated at a crossroads between alleys and the main staircase leading to the hilltop, the Cabral Lookout offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the urban and natural landscapes of the island of Vitória. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the lookout serves as a vital gathering point for residents, providing a place for rest, play, and community events such as the Serenata D’Favela choir performances.

Inspiration and Collaboration

The project draws inspiration from local innovators like Vicente, whose colorful caps-adorned house sparked the initial ideas for the lookout’s transformation. Collaborating closely with community members, including the Serenata D’Favela choir, the project team worked to define the intervention space and execute the improvements, including the construction of a plateau facing the view and the installation of graphic panels made from plastic caps.

Challenges and Triumphs

One of the project’s significant challenges was the logistical task of manually transporting materials such as sand, gravel, cement, and paint to the lookout site. However, through collaborative efforts and community mobilization, the team successfully overcame these obstacles, culminating in the realization of a vibrant and functional community space.

Circular Practice and Community Engagement

The Cabral Lookout project embodies a circular practice by transforming plastic waste into a requalified public space. Through a community-wide waste donation campaign, residents were encouraged to contribute to the project’s material needs, fostering awareness and mobilizing lasting changes in waste management practices within the neighborhood.

Conclusion

The transformation of the Cabral Lookout demonstrates the power of community agency and collaboration in shaping the built environment. By harnessing local resources, creativity, and collective effort, Cidade Quintal and residents of the Morro do Quadro neighborhood have revitalized a cherished public space, reaffirming the importance of community-led initiatives in urban revitalization efforts.