Intercultural, intergenerational, interspecies, and interdisciplinary work at the community level: New European Bauhaus preparatory arrangements in Oeiras and Sintra, Portugal

Local communities represent the basis for a balanced wellbeing since they are the place and space for living. As dynamic spheres entangling a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, aspirations, behaviours, beliefs, and resources, their comprehension is crucial to inform collective decisions at the local, regional, and national level. At the international level, Europe is implementing the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative that holds a promise to achieve a sustainable, inclusive and beautiful future. One of its Lighthouse projects is the Bauhaus of the Seas (BoS) that pilots intercultural, intergenerational and interspecies projects that are locally-grounded, reconnecting coastal communities to their aquatic ecosystems. In this paper we analyse the preparatory arrangements for achieving the NEB values in Oeiras (BoS city), and in Rio de Mouro (Sintra), where participatory, intercultural, intergenerational and interdisciplinary projects are under development. Throughout this work it is argued that operating at the local levels with the support of the local actors, as seen in Oeiras and Sintra, is paramount to achieve the NEB goals and transform the livelihoods of urban and peri-urban communities.