ASTUREGION, TERRITORIAL LAB

(Territorial think-tank; Asturias, Spain; 2007- , collaboration with Nelson Brissac - Artecidade)

Asturegion is a complex territory located in Northern Spain. It comprises an urban agglomeration of more than 800.000 inhabitants; coastal plains, valleys and mountains of up to 1.300 metres; dense urban centres, suburban developments, heavy and extensive industrial settlements, extensive logistic centres, abandoned coal mining infrastructures and pristine natural reserves.

Global market decisions and the development of emerging economies have caused a structural crisis in the region during the 1980’s and 1990’s that has lead to the virtual disappearance of 200 years of coal mining history and to the drastic reduction in ship building and steel production. Asturegion is currently undergoing a crucial transition process towards a touristic, service-providing and high-tech industry territory.

A multidisciplinary team formed by philosophers, historians, economists, sociologists, geographers, architects, territorial planners and art specialists set up the project Territorial Lab with the intention of creating a think-tank that would find some of the potential dynamics that can regenerate a strong identity to a region that has suffered a deep and dramatic upheaval.