CHE As Sete Bicas CRL, Matosinhos - ICA Housing

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Charter, adopted by FENACHE – National Federation of Co-operative Housing
in Portugal, assuming, on the whole, the commitments there declared.
Green and Neighbourhood spaces
It is since the first development promoted by Sete Bicas, concluded in 1982, that
our housing promotions are marked by the presence of green and neighbourhood
spaces, which create well-being and the sense of proximity among the inhabitants.
Humanising outside spaces
The concern for humanising spaces outside the co-operative dwellings is present
in all our buildings. Pathways, children’s parks, sculptural pieces, swimming
pools and sports fields – all these elements create a sense of membership and
happiness for living in those spaces. Co-operative housing is exactly that: the
quality of the indoor spaces and the building methods, but also the harmony of
the outside spaces, making of each building not only a place o sleep, but, especially,
and above all, a real place for human living.
Culture, Sports and Leisure
Sete Bicas still keeps the leisure activity of a housing co-operative. In fact, the
“Co-operative” concept goes far beyond the mere promotion of housing under
controlled costs. “Co-operative” also means a structure able to solve, in very different
ways, the multiple needs that co-operative members have during their
lives. That is why our co-operative has created a Cultural, Sports and Leisure
Centre that promotes such activities. In this field, we have two different structures.
The first one assures, in particular, theatre, ball room dancing and karate
activities, besides the participation of Sete Bicas in the annual National Cooperative
Games, competing in poetry, swimming and running. This Centre also
supports a contemporary dance group that performs special events, such as the
Co-operative’s Birthday Dinner or the opening of theatre shows. The listening
room of Sete Bicas is, therefore, a space for training, rehearsals, games and,
sometimes, it is also used as a real listening room.
The second Centre organises outdoor events, a kind of “Neighbours’ Days”.
“Rio Mau Club” is also responsible for the already traditional “Paella” and the
opening of the bathing season. As is easy to understand, friendship relationships
arise among people who are always present in these events and, besides, they
truly feel that they belong to a “Co-operative”. Sete Bicas has also a solution for
our co-operative members’ holidays. Two apartments in Algarve can be rented
for “Co-operative” prices during the whole year.
Childhood and Elderly Support
In 1985, Sete Bicas inaugurated our Early Childhood Centre (36 years old) and
four years later the Day Nursery (30 years old). People who work in these Centres
belong to the Sete Bicas “team” which means that our Co-operative Personnel
also include Kindergarten workers, Child Nurses, Cooks, Cleaning Staff etc.