Founded in 1898, the Santo Tirso Spinning Mill and Fabrics was one of the most emblematic factories of the Ave Valley, the heart of the Portuguese Textile and Clothing.
Located on the left bank of the river Ave, and close to the city center, the factory is an essential reference in the collective memory of Santo Tirso and a fundamental space to understand the development and the industry of the region.
The urban and economic development of the municipality of Santo Tirso is closely associated with an intense industrial activity which is mainly concentrated in the textile sector.
The Santo Thyrso Factory is a symbol of the connection of the city and the textile industry at a time when it was understood as a symbol of progress, economic growth and a promoter of important social changes.
IT IS IN THIS SYMBOLIC SPACE THAT IT IS HAPPENING AN IMPORTANT URBAN REGENERATION PROCESS, AS A RESULT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CULTURAL AND CREATIVE CITY BLOCK AROUND THE FASHION INDUSTRY NOW DESIGNATED SANTO THYRSO
FACTORY
The Santo Thyrso Factory project is inspired by some of the most interesting policiesl and current strategies of revitalization and urban development with a clear focus on the relationship between the cultural and creative development of the industries and the urban regeneration processes in the cities.
The different projects that integrate the regeneration process of this city block are intended to be a work and business space, experimentation and innovation space, a cultural and leisure space at the same time. Through this diverse, multi-functional and dynamic joint (gathering services, shops and restaurants) it is possible to offer a creative, solid and attractive space in Santo Thyrso Factory, based on activities related with fashion.
Innovation and creativity work as differentiating and enabler factors on the various fields of contemporary activity, being able to ensure proactive and sustainable solutions based on the most inexhaustible energy in a universe marked by competitiveness but also by the renewal of new challenges, having imagination and human creativity at the service of the society.
The fashion and design and, in general, the creative industries are assumed today as applied research fields, able to integrate technology and values, conceptual innovation and business strategy, local solutions and global perspectives. The focus on creativity as a differentiator and resources enhancer is decisive.
The commitment and investment in the Cultural and Creative Quarteirão (City Block) of Santo Thyrso Factory appear to be decisive for designing Santo Tirso and the North of Portugal as a cultural, trade and tourism areas within the Fashion and Design.
Location: Santo Tirso
