Design as a resource for valuing territorial assets and local cultures: An experimental model applied to Estrada Real, Brazil

This project aims to present a joint initiative for cultural and territorial recovery through design, that have been carried out by the Politecnico di Torino, the Minas Gerais State University and the Minas Design Center. The project involves professors/tutors and students from Industrial Design Courses of the both universities, using resources and tools for training at distance between the regions of Minas Gerais (Brazil) and Piedmont (Italy). The main focus of research is to apply the design to enhance cultural assets in certain specified places of interest along the Estrada Real ("Royal Road"), in the state of Minas Gerais. The project is considered an experimental model for the development and cultural and territorial enhancement, based primarily in the tourism and economic development potential, which is estimated by the Government of Minas Gerais to be 1.25 billion dollars and 2.5 million tourists/year in 2010. The study will include training activities and a cultural project involving Brazilians and Italians communities. The main expected results are: (a) applying the perspective of design to improve the territorial competitiveness, through the development of research and analysis of elements of identity; (b) the development of product design and services based on the territory resources and sustainable development; (c) the exchange of knowledge and experience, through the interaction between the institutions.