Coastal Memory Fort

About this project

<p style="text-align: justify">Coastal Memory Fort addressed the critical decline of Paimogo Fort, a 17th-century coastal defence structure of profound historical significance. Years of neglect had left the fort structurally unsound, vulnerable to environmental hazards such as cliff erosion and flammable vegetation, and disconnected from the local community despite its potential as a cultural and economic asset. The project adopted a multidimensional strategy to revive the fort. Restoration efforts focused on stabilising the structure using innovative mortar recovery techniques while mitigating risks such as erosion and fire. Beyond physical repairs, the initiative prioritised reconnecting the fort with its community through extensive engagement, including 37 participatory sessions, exceeding initial targets. These efforts documented intangible heritage and created new employment opportunities, with two jobs already established. A standout achievement was the development of an Augmented Reality (AR) tool in partnership with Norway’s University of Oslo, enabling visitors to immerse themselves in the fort’s history. This technological innovation complemented broader cultural and economic revitalisation efforts, including dynamic programming and digital outreach that attracted thousands of online interactions. Collaboration with institutions such as Museum Nord further elevated the fort’s profile as a tourist destination and educational resource. The project’s success is evident in its outcomes: a fully restored fort serving as a community landmark, strengthened international partnerships with plans for future collaborations, and a sustainable model for heritage preservation that blends tradition with innovation. Local residents, tourists, and researchers alike now benefit from a revitalised space that honours the past while fostering economic and cultural growth. By tackling decay, disconnection, and stagnation, the project has secured the fort’s legacy for future generations.</p>

Bilateral cooperation results

The partnership with Norway was instrumental in the project's success, with both institutions making significant contributions. The University of Oslo (UiO) played a key role in developing the augmented reality (AR) solution, drawing on its expertise to reconstruct historical events for an immersive visitor experience. UiO conducted in-depth historical research in collaboration with Portuguese partners and local communities, further enriching the project’s cultural and academic foundations. Meanwhile, Museum Nord (MN) provided an invaluable external perspective, facilitating spaces for learning, reflection, and evaluation. As an internationally recognised organisation in cultural heritage management and dynamic programming, MN played a crucial role in shaping the project's strategic direction. The bilateral collaboration yielded substantial results. UiO’s historical and cultural research contributed valuable knowledge to all participants while strengthening its expertise in AR. Portuguese partners benefited from new methodologies, techniques, and processes. MN’s contributions included study visits, knowledge exchange, and reflection sessions, which had a significant impact on both sides. The "Models of Cultural Innovation for Coastal Heritage" workshop, organised by MN, fostered dialogue and knowledge transfer, attracting interest in EEA Grants project opportunities. A Digital Platform Webinar improved MN’s use of digital platforms while providing guidance for Portuguese partners on enhancing project visibility and sustainability. Additionally, MN’s website and social media presence helped amplify the project’s reach. Future bilateral collaboration is already planned. UiO is exploring follow-up scenarios to expand the AR initiative into a broader regional cultural and tourism project.

Project partners

• University of Oslo Donor project partner· Norway
• Stiftelsen Museum Nord Donor project partner· Norway
• National Laboratory of Civil Engineering, IP Project partner· Portugal
• Cooperative for Cultural Training and Animation CRL - Lusophone University Project partner· Portugal
• Lourinhã Historical Studies Center Project partner· Portugal
• Parish Council of Lourinhã and Atalaia Project partner· Portugal