Limp.AR

The Limp.AR project addressed the growing need to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution in urban centers.  This concern emerged from complaints about noise and air quality in Guimarães, particularly following its designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2012. The influx of public events and tourists increased noise levels, creating challenges for residents who had to share spaces with large gatherings.

The main objectives are to encourage the integration of vegetation into urban environments and to raise awareness about the importance of reducing commuting.

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Limp.AR focuses on improving air and noise quality in urban centers by promoting the integration of vegetation, soft mobility solutions and raising awareness. It also evaluates the impact of its actions on air and noise quality, particularly in urban and school areas. The project includes education, training, and awareness campaigns for citizens, participatory co-creation initiatives, urban space interventions, and assessments of air and noise quality in various settings. These efforts are organised into four key projects:

• Miyawaki Forest: integration of this reforestation concept in the urban center of Guimarães, serving as both an environmental intervention and an awareness tool
• Environmental education: awareness-raising and education sessions on air quality and noise
• Pedestrian-friendly initiatives: “Metrominute” cocreated with students to design a 15’ pedestrian city by identifying the optimum, safe and comfortable walking paths to change mobility patterns
• Air and noise monitoring: assessments in school contexts and urban centers to measure the impact of the project’s interventions
• Temporary exhibition: didactic content portraying environmental problems related to atmospheric and noise pollution

• One significant result is the implementation of a noise regulation policy in response to complaints following Guimarães’ designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2012. With public events and residents sharing the same spaces, noise became an issue. The regulation, which forbids noise diffusion in public areas after 8 PM, has led to a decrease in residents' complaints. The co-creation process with citizens, including consultations, played a key role in shaping this policy.
• According to the measurements, 86% of residents currently report living in quiet areas, a notable achievement for both green and urban spaces.

• The success of Limp.AR is based on three strategic communication objectives:

• A platform provides real-time information on noise-generating events. Event organisers must request a license from the technical services of the municipality, which then sets mandatory noise reduction measures
• Schools were very interested. With 20,000 students in Guimarães, the municipality and the Landscape Laboratory have developed an environmental education programme. Noise is considered a transversal issue, integrated into the Climate City Contract, the investment plan, and the action plan for neutrality
• Every five years, a citizen survey evaluates the perception of implemented changes
• A multidisciplinary team made the implementation of the project easier

• The project did not encounter challenges, given the deep connection with relevant stakeholders and the availability of lands.

• Improved citizen satisfaction: 86% of residents now report living in quiet areas, indicating a measurable improvement in urban acoustic comfort
• The co-created noise regulation policy effectively addressed public concerns, leading to a marked decline in noise-related complaints
• Engagement with 20,000 students across Guimarães embedded awareness of noise and air quality in local education
• Regular five-year surveys and participatory design helped align actions with community needs
• The project benefited from a multidisciplinary team and integration into broader municipal strategies such as the Climate City Contract

• Engage communities early through co-creation workshops and regular surveys to ensure relevance and local ownership
• Combine infrastructure with education, using interventions like urban microforests alongside school programmes and public exhibitions
• Institutionalise monitoring, using air and noise quality assessments to guide and adjust interventions over time
• Integrate environmental goals into wider urban strategies, ensuring continuity and scalability across departments
• Ensure regulatory follow-up, such as licensing requirements for public events with embedded noise control measures

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