The Regional Plan for the Oé-Cusse Ambeno Region, initiated in 2015, aimed to promote the sustainable development of this area of Timor-Leste, following the damage caused by the Indonesian occupation. The plan, approved in 2016, focused on essential infrastructure (roads, potable water, energy, sanitation) and the restoration of built heritage. The main vision was to create a "Green Region," valuing the natural and cultural wealth, with a development model based on the local and sustainable economy, which could be replicated in other areas of the country.
The urban plan adopted a model based on development axes and centers, aligned with the traditional economy, such as agriculture and weaving. The project also addressed the creation of new public spaces, essential for improving social interaction, as after the occupation, people had the habit of gathering only at home or in informal street meetings. In this regard, interventions were proposed for the riverfront, including strategies to revitalize urban spaces.
In the area of housing, incremental self-build models were developed, encouraging the use of local materials and techniques, with a contemporary design adapted to the population's lifestyle and traditions. The simplicity of construction techniques was crucial, given the limited technical knowledge and the scarcity of building materials. The housing models cater to both local families and expatriates, such as teachers and doctors.
The process involved a strong component of public participation, with workshops and meetings in various areas of the region, and included the collaboration of Portuguese students, which brought a diversity of approaches and creative solutions for the region's urban planning and architecture.