EN / PT
SUMMER SCHOOL
18 — 25 july 2025
Braga, Portugal
Call for applications - Now open
NEW DATE
Shopyard Summer School is an intensive week-long programme of pedagogical experimentation, organised in partnership by Space Transcribers and INSTITUTO. Running over the course of one week, the programme focuses on exploring, debating and reimagining the future of the first-generation shopping centres in Braga, Portugal.
Located in central Braga are more than 25 shopping centres constructed during the 1980s and 1990s. Although situated in prime and privileged areas of the city, many of these buildings are currently underused. The growth of large-scale shopping centres and retail parks on the urban periphery, shifts in consumer behaviour, and the economic crisis of recent decades have all contributed to the prolonged vacancy of these buildings.
This phenomenon is not unique to Braga — it reflects broader changes in urban and commercial dynamics across various European cities. Nevertheless, we believe that these shopping centres represent valuable opportunities to foster new cultural and spatial dynamics within Braga and beyond.
During the Summer School programme, a group of 30 participants — selected through this open call — will be divided into three working groups, each guided by one of the invited mentors:
oitoo, BUREAU, OUEST architecture.
Each group will focus on developing spatial and social proposals for one of the three selected case studies. Practical interventions may include architectural projects, temporary art installations, participatory workshops, and experimental activities that engage with the commercial and social dynamics of these spaces.
In addition to the work carried out by the participants, the programme will feature a series of public events, including talks, guided visits, film screenings, an assembly, and other activities.
The information on this page does not replace a full reading of the programme regulations.
All applicants are required to read the full document carefully before submitting their application.
Who can apply:
Number of participants:
30.
How to apply:
Fill out and submit the online application form with the following elements:
Application timeline (NEW DATES):
(via email: projetos@oinstituto.pt).
CASE STUDIES
Santa Cruz Shopping Centre
Located in the centre of Braga, just behind Theatro Circo — one of the city’s most iconic cultural venues — this shopping centre, built in the 1980s, features six floors of retail space and three upper levels dedicated to offices, comprising a total of 136 units and a commercial area of 9 900 m². It currently houses the headquarters of the Shopyard project, marked by a distinctive yellow curtain designed by the Porto-based architecture studio oitoo.
Galécia Shopping Centre
This shopping centre, built in the mid-1980s, contains 69 units spread across a commercial area of 3 548 m². It includes a small auditorium, which is currently closed. On the lower ground floor (-1), there are rehearsal spaces used by bands and small independent cultural projects. In the past, this level housed a bingo hall, which was later converted into a bar.
Santa Bárbara Shopping Centre
Located in the heart of Braga’s medieval city centre, this shopping centre functions as a passage and shortcut between several streets in the historic core. Designed by architect Agostinho Ricca in the 1980s, the complex includes both office spaces and residential apartments.
Much of the underground commercial area is currently closed to the public. The centre comprises around 100 units across two floors, with a total commercial area of 1 150 m².
MENTORS
PROGRAMME AND GUESTS
https://www.05031979.net
The programme is still being finalised. The full version, along with additional guest names, will be announced soon.
ORGANISATION
Make the most of your stay in Braga by exploring other projects from Braga 25 – Portuguese Capital of Culture. During the Shopyard Summer School, we’ll be highlighting a selection of events and festivals you won’t want to miss:
Shape of Neighbourhood – June to November 2025
Shape of Neighbourhood (Forma da Vizinhança) is a festival of architecture and art taking place from June to November 2025, across various locations throughout the city of Braga. Curated by Space Transcribers, the festival brings together invited architects including Manuel Bouzas, Parto Atelier, Patrícia da Silva, Nuno Melo Sousa, ATA Atelier, LIMIT Architecture Studio, RAM, and Atelier Local. Together, they have created new spaces for gathering and exchange through temporary architectural installations, which will serve as platforms for cultural and community-based activities.
Find out more at: formadavizinhanca.pt
Extremo – 26 July
Extremo is a unique festival, conceived as a one-day journey that resembles a short pilgrimage. The programme runs from sunrise to sunset, weaving together soundscapes, performances, installations, and a series of exploratory and electronic music concerts. Held on the border between the municipalities of Braga and Guimarães, the festival activates the religious buildings of Monte da Falperra and its surrounding cultural and natural landscape, blurring the boundaries between municipalities, artistic genres, and between art and nature itself.
Find out more at: extremo.pt
You can explore more of the Braga 25’s programme at: www.braga25.pt
Shopping Santa Cruz, loja 33
Largo Carlos Amarante 117, Braga - Portugal
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