Refavela_Lucas Pissetti

refavela

when the informal becomes the solution

lucaspissetti

refavela

when the informal becomes the solution

Lucas A. Pissetti April 30th, 2020 Amsterdam Academy of Architecture Master in Architecture

Committee Bart Bulter (mentor) Johanna van Doorn Maurizio Scarciglia Additional members Jarrik Ouburg Tatjana Djordjevic

preface

7

of inequality, fear & isolation

introduction

11

the city of paradise

location

17

keeping the spirit alive

prototype

47

a new neighborhood

urban strategy

55

the base to build upon

architectural design

77

afterword

115

bibliography

119

"Favelas offer very specific solutions to the question of housing the masses, with what is normally meant to be the solution - state-sponsored mass housing representing the real problem of urban development."

- John Turner, 1968

preface

New social housing blocks in the favela of Paraisรณpolis. | Elito Arquitetos

8

The culture of fear seems to be increasingly embedded in today’s society, especially on highly social unequal countries, such as Brazil. The rise of the “condomínios fechados” (gated communities) on recent years expose how this fear shapes our cities.

People are sold by the idea of isolating themselves in order to feel safe from all the violence and uncertainties present on the city. But by neglecting the public space, social interaction fail to exist and suspicion from one another is only increased. This phenomenon increasingly aggravates the segregation between classes and encourages even more violence.

Meanwhile, life in the favelas is all about the sense of community and the use of the street as the ultimate public space. Even though several problems caused by the low income and poor living conditions affects the inhabitants, people usually feel safe living within their neighbours. In this context, the case of Paraisópolis emerges. The second largest favela in the city of São Paulo, with approximately 100.000 inhabitants, exposes the huge contrast between the formal and the informal city. New social housing blocks designed for displaced residents are transforming Paraisópolis into a part of the formal city. But is this the right way to go?

Refavela proposes a new strategy on designing with informal settlements.

A strategy which aims to improve basic life conditions for the people in need, while preserving the qualities that are very specific to these locations.

The idea is that a main structure is provided by the state to the residents, so they can continue building their own houses themselves, enabling the informality which enriches the favela to live on.

The design focus on architecture as an infra-structure, aiming to supply all basic necessities which are lacking on the neighbourhood while conserving the liveliness and the sense of community already present in the area. New streets and pathways connect the area with its surroundings while public buildings are co-designed with the community aiming for the development of the region. Furthermore, the landscape is designed as a response for the recurrent floods and poor soil condition, creating a strong foundation for the area. The project acts as a catalyst for the neighbourhood, based on production, social inclusion and overall community empowerment. It aims to transform an urbanization of consumption into a neighbourhood of production.

9

of inequality, fear & isolation introduction

63%

37%

1950

1950

63% 55% 37% 63% 45%

24% 24% 18% 32% 32% 32% 37% 55% 63% 44% 45% 55% 37% 56% 45% 44% 55%56% 45% 44% 68% 56% 44% 68% 56% 76% 68% 32% 76%

1950 1960 1950

1960 1950 1970 1960

1960

1970 1960 1980 1970

1970

1980 1970 1990 1980

33 million rural 19 million urban

In less than 50 years, Brazil was transformed from a rural to an urban country. In the 1950’s, 63% of the population used to live in the countryside. By 2010, this percentage fell to mere 18%. The city of São Paulo represents the pinnacle of this fast urban sprawl: in less than 100 years, the city went from 500 thousand to 11 million inhabitants.1 This rapid urban sprawl did not have the proper planning for its magnitude.

Without any experience from the government, the lack of infrastructure on the cities compromised the quality of life, and problems related to dwelling, transportation and basic sanitation started to grow within the cities.

In this context, the first gated communities were built on the suburbs of the city of São Paulo.2 This urban phenomenon had a strong resurgence on the 1970’s in North America, and in Brazil it did not take long to become popular. While the State did not have the money necessary to fulfill the infrastructure demands for the cities, large contractors started to invest on building private neighborhoods, equipped with all the amenities necessary for a standard living, without the need to go outside the perimeter gates. The idea for a safer neighborhood, guarded and separated from the violent city rapidly made success through the upper classes of Brazilian society. 3

It was on the 1970’s, when Brazil had a strong economic growth, that most of the current favelas were formed. Its inhabitants did not have any chance to study or to work on the city, as these communities didn’t have any support from the government. With it, social disparity only grew higher, and violence cases raised considerably.

1 2 3

12

IBGE, 2010

Raposo, 2012

Barbiero, 2015

1990 198 20

198

24% 24% 18% 24% 32% 32% 45% 44% 68% 56% 44% 68% 56% 76% 68% 32% 76% 68% 82%

080 1970

80

1980 1970 1990 1980

15% 15% 18% 15% 24% 18% 76% 82% 76% 85% 82% 85% 82%

1990 1980 2010 2000 2000 1990 2000 1990

1990

15%

18%

2000

2010 2000

85%

2010

85%

2010

2010 29 million rural 178 million urban

Urban x Rural population in Brazil. | IBGE

Map showing main migration flows in Brazil on the 50’s. São Paulo is marked in black.

Panorama Geográfico Brasileiro, 2004.

13

The condomĂ­nios are usually autonomous buildings which can be placed anywhere: they do not belong to their immediate surroundings.

Always causing a rupture on the urban fabric, they are usually socially homogeneous environments, destined to people who are searching to live within its social group and away from unwanted interactions and the unpredictability of the streets.4 This concept is changing considerably the way people live, consume, work and spend their time. The gated communities change the city’s character, the public spaces relevance and specially the social interaction between classes. Not only dwellings, but also office buildings, shopping malls and even schools and hospitals are being included on this urban model, which always emphasize the value of the private and restricted, while depreciating the open city.

It is understandable that, in a country which has 19 out of the 50 most violent cities in the world, the population seeks for additional safety measures. However, studies prove that the perception of safety inside the gated communities is High-end gated community in SĂŁo Paulo. | Club Life Morumbi

14

false, because in many cases the criminal rates don’t differ from the surrounding neighborhoods.5 Inside the condomínios, there is a very low sociability rate between neighbors, consequence of the fear and privatization of space. Without enough interaction between the community, no one looks for each other, which reflects on the poor security rates.

On the contrary, life in the favelas is all about the sense of community.

Even though several problems caused by the low income and traffic of drugs affects the inhabitants, people usually feel safe living within their neighbors. The contrast of the way of living on both extremes of society relies not only on income levels, but in the fact one lives on a community based settlement, while the other is concerned much more about the individualistic lifestyle.

But in a world where the poor usually aspire to live like the rich, does that mean the favelas will eventually lose its sense of community?

Aerial view of ParaisĂłpolis.

4

Caldeira, 2000

5

Oliveira, 2016

15

the city of paradise location

©Tuca Vieira

In this context, the case of Paraisópolis emerges. The second largest favela in the city of São Paulo, with approximately 100.000 inhabitants, is located right next to one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in the city, Morumbi. The famous picture took by Brazilian photographer Tuca Vieira perfectly portrays the extreme contrast between the luxurious formal city and the precarious favela.

Paraisópolis originated in 1921 from a land division destined to higher class families, with a clear grid of 100x200m lots and 10m wide streets.

However, especially because its steep topography and its peripheral location at the time, the lots were never built upon by its owners, and only started being occupied on the late 1950’s, by migrants who were working on the surrounding construction of the Morumbi stadium and the Albert Einsten hospital, two of the most important institutions of the area to this date.6

Due to State negligence, by 1970 more than 20 thousand people were already residing irregularly in the area. At the same time, many luxurious buildings and gated communities were being developed on its surroundings.7 After failed removal attempts from the government in the late 1980’s, Paraisópolis continued to densify, until a point where an urban plan was established for the area in 2005, part of the new ”Slum Upgrade” program from the City government.

Since then, millions were invested on infrastructure projects and social housing.

6 7

Vilicic, 2009

Novaes, 2015

Brazil / state of São Paulo in black

City of São Paulo / Paraisópolis in black

São Paulo’s skyline.

21

1954

1994

ParaisĂłpolis prior to the occupation. The gridded road system is already apparent, having originally been planned in 1921 but not implemented fully due to incompatibilities with the topography. 8

The intervening 40 years shows a densifying Paraisópolis, whose population growth is fueled by the industrialization of Brazil’s economy. Housing has completely filled in the street grid, leaving little available space for newcomers.

22

2000

2015

This map represents the conditions on the ground prior to the municipality’s involvement. Paraisópolis on its most dense version, before the “Slum Upgrade” process begins.

On the latest image from Paraisópolis is possible to see many of the “Slum Upgrade” projects which took place on the last two decades. The southeast part of Paraisópolis was the focus point for new developments such as new social housing blocks and an avenue which aimed to connect the area with its surroundings.

8

Brillembourg, 2008

23

1

2

3 4

7

6

5

Nowadays, Paraisópolis can be seen as a city within a city. The area is divided in seven different sectors, each one with its own characteristics.

Two of these sectors, are effectively separated from the main area of Paraisópolis, but still are considered part of the complex. The area has all amenities necessary for a community to survive, such as schools, banks, markets, healthcare units and a community center which has a very strong presence and is responsible to bring all claims and desires from the neighborhood to São Paulo’s government.

sector

area (m2)

number of houses

1

Jardim Colombo

147.471

3.244

12%

16%

2

Porto Seguro

30.496

465

2%

2%

3

Antonico

490.057

8.415

40%

40%

4

Centro

138.980

1.880

11%

9%

5

Brejo

97.822

1.682

8%

18%

6

Grotão

208.727

3.173

17%

15%

7

Grotinho

94.673

2.009

8%

10%

1.208.226

20.868

Paraisópolis

However, as any informal settlement in Brazil, the supply of basic infrastructure such as sewage, electricity and drinkable water is very scarce in Paraisópolis. In general, only 1 on every 6 houses has a formal sewage and electrical supply connected to the city’s grid. This amount variates accordingly to each sector, with the two southernmost sectors, Grotão and Grotinho being the most vulnerable ones in Paraisópolis.

legal water supply

formal sewage

formal electricity

garbage collection

59%

15%

41%

33%

57%

10%

15%

20%

51%

20%

20%

41%

56%

30%

31%

60%

54%

20%

35%

52%

64%

7%

8%

28%

24%

5%

5%

31%

52%

17%

18%

37%

Paraisópolis statistics. (numbers excluding new social hosing blocks) Source: Hagaplan/Sondotécnica - 2005

25

3 Dirt road on the Antonico sector with highrise towers of Morumbi in the background.

One of the vibrant streets of Paraisรณpolis, with several small shops and vendors.

4 26

7 One of the projects from the “Slum Upgrade” program consisting of a playground and staircase.

The new avenue provides Paraisópolis with public transport connections.

5 27

Density studies comparing Paraisópolis with its surroundings and other dense locations worldwide.

28

Paraisópolis

Morumbi

Centro - São Paulo

≈ 80.000 inh 0.798 km² ≈ 100.000 inh/km²

32.280 inh 11.4 km² 2.831 inh/km²

431.106 inh 27.0 km² 15.966 inh/km²

Considering only the main area of Paraisópolis (excluding the adjacent regions of Jardim Colombo and Porto Seguro), nearly 80.000 residents share a very small portion of land of 0.8km².

This extremely high density is a result of rapid growth and failed housing policies, typical for any informal settlement across the globe. Every minimal space is used for shelter, in order to fit more people, allowing only a minimal space for circulation and very few occasional public amenities.

The high-density combined with the lack of help from the State eventually leads to very poor living conditions.

Manhattan - New York

Tondo - Manila

Dharavi - Mumbai

1.664.727 inh 59.5 km² 26.939 inh/km²

≈ 630.000 inh 8.80 km² ≈ 71.590 inh/km²

≈ 600.000 inh 2.16 km² ≈ 277.000 inh/km²

sources: IBGE / World Economics Forum

When comparing the density of informal settlements with regions of a formal city, it becomes clear how disproportionate they are. This is specially due to parks and other public spaces which compensates for the amount and size of the buildings, something that doesn’t occur in the favelas.

29

Very poor building conditions and lack of pavement.

Illegal electrical connections can start up fires and destroy whole parts of the favela.

30

Open sewage which can lead to various diseases.

Waste disposal into vacant lots pollute the soil.

31

Besides all the issues common to the favelas, there are many lessons to be learned on the level of urbanity from these locations. Paraisópolis has a very unique character because of its location and history, and because of that it has many qualities which are recurrent from the favelas, but also many others which are very particular. This mental map helped me organize some of the main thoughts which I had after visiting the area.

“Arriving at Paraisópolis was a surreal experience, since you actually cannot see it from its neighboring streets. Since it is located on a steep depression of the landscape and surrounded by high towers, the favela only appears occasionally when you pass by the few connecting pathways.

Once you cross an entrance, a completely different city emerges, with its narrow alleyways and exposed brick buildings on top of each other as far as your eyes can see. Loud speakers announce low prices on every kind of shop imaginable, while the crowds squeeze on the tiny sidewalks to allow motorcycles, cars and even trucks to pass by.

Gilson Rodrigues, the community leader since 2002, elected by popular vote, takes me through the “artistic route” of Paraisópolis, showing me the many artists of the community, as well as its

32

ballet school and philharmonic orchestra. He tells me about the creation of Paraisópolis’ own bank and currency, which he helped to develop as a measure to stimulate the local economy. We finish our tour on a rooftop restaurant, with its own organic garden, where he tells me how much safer he feels in Paraisópolis than when he leaves his neighborhood.

While I walk back I pay attention to the architectural features of Paraisópolis: there is a sense of movement which is very characteristic of the favelas, as if every building is in a constant process of renewal. There is no finished building, as well as no defined boundaries on where and how to build, but there are unwritten rules based on mutual respect which helps to organize the chaos coming from the informality.”

Mental map drawn after site visit.

"puxadinhos" In order to densify with very limited space, buildings in the favelas always grows upwards. The “puxadinhos� are an informal expansion or annex to an existing building.

34

In these pictures we see the same corner building with 7 years difference between them. Two entirely new floors were added on this period of time.

35

each floor an independent building Buildings in the favelas are usually mixed-use and as they grow, new floors are rented out for newcomers or relatives. The roof terrace is often used as a communal space for the dwellers.

36

In this case every floor is treated differently by its owner, with the use of colors or tiles to distinct each property. Access to the upper floors is given by external stairs.

37

on the street The first occupations in Paraisรณpolis were based on the streets which were already there. Only when there was no more space, the small alleys were created.

Until today, the houses located on the main streets are more valuable on the market, since their access is easier and there is more visibility for shops and services.

7 - 10m

9 - 15m

38

6 - 12m

Usually houses in the main streets are higher, with 3 to 5 floors, and accommodate a commercial function on the ground floor.

The sidewalks are very narrow, and on the strip of asphalt people share the space with motorcycles, cars and even trucks.

39

on the alley Houses located on the alleys tend to be more precarious, with not enough natural sunlight and ventilation. Nevertheless, the loud noises and fast pace of the streets are replaced for a more calm and silent atmosphere. The proximity from each other is even higher, increasing the sense of community in the place.

2 - 7m

6 - 12m

40

The narrow alleys contain only a minimal space for circulation, but occasional communal spaces open up on the inside of the blocks, with small places to gather, grow plants and play.

The residents in the alleys don’t have an official address, and usually need to go to shops in the main streets to get their mail.

41

Furthermore, a SWOT analysis was made where the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were analyzed in order to organize my findings and support my design. Many important topics presented themselves which could be chosen as a focus to the project.

Either as a solution for a problem, such as the garbage accumulation, or as a reinforcement of a quality, for instance a new building for the ballet school.

However, my idea was to develop a project which could incorporate all of these topics, while focusing on sense of community present in the favelas, as opposed as the gated communities located in the formal city. How to keep these qualities while improving basic living conditions in the favelas?

The idea flourished after a visit to the latest social housing blocks built in Paraisรณpolis.

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S O community engagement central location high-density mixed-use buildings liveliness cultural environment DIY mentality / entrepeneurship independent status waste recycling

community education job opportunities for residents environmental projects (water, waste) communal living facilities

W T connectivity with the city mobility within the area awareness of opportunities lack of public spaces lack of infrastructure flooding areas steep topography and fragile soil fire hazard / informal electrical connections garbage accumulation

gentrification lost of the sense of community uncertainty of ownership stigma and disbelief

In the last decades, different strategies have been taken by the Brazilian government on how to deal with the favelas. From demolition to relocation, a lot has improved and the current policy of upgrading the local infra-structure is praiseworthy.

Residents located in precarious shacks on high-risk areas are relocated to social housing blocks inside the perimeter of the favela.

Nevertheless, these housing blocks are being designed with the same standards as in the formal city, bringing the gated communities to the interior of the favelas, putting at risk the sense of community of these locations. These blocks are transforming Paraisรณpolis into a part of the formal city. But is this the best approach when dealing with favelas?

43

©Elito Arquitetos

keeping the spirit alive prototype

In order to improve life conditions in the favelas one paradigm has to change: the view of the favela as a solution, rather than a problem.

Usually, those responsible for proposing ideas for the favelas are mainly focused on its issues, rather than the unique qualities from the place. Only by shifting this view, the favelas can develop to better standards while keeping its core values. But how to do that?

Urban planners and architects tend to apply their rationalist views of the city when submitting plans and buildings for the favelas. With enough investment, this would eventually transform every informal settlement to a part of the formal city.

Instead, I propose to use the existing methods and processes linked to the construction of the favelas as a starting point, while providing the minimum infra-structure needed to bring safety and better living conditions.

48

In addition, the design has to understand the strengths and capacities of each place and try to maximize it in order to empower the community. What is being produced in this community which can be capitalized? What are the people’s specialties and knowledges which can be used to create jobs and opportunities? The architect should be aware of such specificities and find a way to promote these activities within the design.

This approach could be used in any informal settlement across the globe, using local solutions in order to keep the same morphology and unique characteristics of each place. It must exploit the power of “Top-down” urbanization and merge it with the community driven “Bottom-up” approach. By taking the most of those two strategies and working closely together, the best possible outcome would prevail.

how can we improve basic life conditions in the favelas while preserving the spirit of the place?

Escalators built on a informal settlement in MedellĂ­n, Colombia. An example of physical improvement following the logics of the place.

49

0. current social housing New developments in Paraisรณpolis are using fences and walls in order to separate communal areas from the public.

50

I. open to the city The building should not create borders, but help to connect the surroundings. In this case it would contribute for the liveliness of the streets and the sense of community, following the logic of the place.

51

II. diversify spaces & functions Different kind of spaces should be designed in order to allow a variety of programs which will stimulate the local economy and provide a better quality of life for the residents.

52

III. include the community The building should invite the community to be involved on every stage of the design and use their construction know-how in the building process.

53

a new neighborhood urban strategy

grotão area population density

0.048km2 ≈ 5.000 104.166/km2

In order to transform the prototype into a design, a specific area needed to be chosen. The neighborhood of Grotão is considered to be the most vulnerable of Paraisópolis for a variety of reasons. Despite its central urban location, the area of Grotão is effectively separated from its surroundings because of its steep topography and the lack of streets.

Within its isolated zone, increased erosion, ongoing mudslides, poor

soil conditions and inadequate stormwater drainage systems have categorized Grotão as a High-Risk zone. These are areas that are deemed unfit to build and are therefore in need of innovative and imaginative solutions.

The design starts by creating a solid foundation which aims to provide the basic infra-structure for the area, connecting it with its surroundings and tackling the challenging terrain.

Aerial view of Grotão.

57

inacessible area GrotĂŁo is disconnected from its surroundings due to its steep topography. All buildable space has been filled with housing, leaving only the minimal space for circulation.

Aerial image highlighting the lack of usable open space.

59

high-risk situation Increased erosion, ongoing mudslides, steep slopes, poor soil, and inadequate stormwater runoff drainage systems have categorized GrotĂŁo as a High-Risk zone.

Harsh rains combined with informal electrical connections resulted on several fires in the location, leaving the residents in need to re-build their own homes from scratch.

61

houses to be relocated Buildings located on the high-risk area are removed due to its precarious conditions and exposure to landslides and flooding. Residents from the affected dwellings will be relocated to the new buildings.

map existing roads As a starting point for the design, existing streets and paths in the area are mapped.

63

create new connections Based on the existing streets and following the steep topography, two new roads are created to connect the whole area with its surroundings.

design main structure A structure is built following the road system. Instead of top-down social housing blocks, the residents themselves will be able to build upon the structure in order to keep the same morphology and scale of the existing favela.

65

main access and circulation The main structure is based on 3 main slabs, which follows the new connecting streets. These streets would provide access not only for residents, but also for emergency vehicles and public transportation.

The streets are located on two different height levels, one at the top and another at the bottom of the terrain.

These would ensure the necessary access points through the whole area.

The connecting points to the central slab are only be accessible for emergency and/or service vehicles when needed, as its main use focuses as an urban promenade.

66

67

secondary access and circulation In order to connect the slabs not only with its surroundings, but also to each one another, several other pathways consisting of ramps, bridges and staircases are located on strategic points.

This would ensure that the slabs would become part of the urban fabric, allowing for a continuity of the routes through the favela.

The existing alleys and pathways of the area, usually created following the more gentle topographical spots, will be used for secondary entry points to the building.

68

69

public functions Main public and communal functions are located in strategic points in order to consolidate the building as a place for the residents and to invite neighbours to visit and make use of the area.

These public functions were based on the study of strengths and opportunities in Paraisรณpolis, and would be designed in close relationship with the community.

Spaces for leisure like sports facilities, playgrounds and an amphitheatre would attract the youth, while commercial areas and communal gardens would stimulate the local economy.

Cultural venues as a library and an exhibition space would aim to expand the education of the residents, while the community centre would be relocated to a central space in order to develop and maintain the whole development.

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71

landscape Finally, the landscape surrounding the building is designed as a series of terraces which would improve stormwater retention, decreasing the chance for floods and landslides.

The terraces would be separated into 3 categories: - open green areas where native vegetation will be planted to generate public areas and absorb excess stormwater; - communal gardens which will become a source of food and income for the community; - wetlands, which will passively filter rainwater for gray water applications and irrigation for agriculture.

All terraces are designed to bring the water to the bottom of the area, where a public square is located. This square is designed to be flooded during harsh conditions, and used as a public space throughout the rest of the year.

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overview The site is fundamentally transformed from an inaccessible high-risk zone into a desirable and productive space.

The program of the project is flexible and able to adapt to changes based on need. It serves as a new hub of various activities, and its introduction into the site not only provides immediate forms of exchange, but also serves as a catalyst that encourages new uses in the surrounding areas.

The urban agriculture encourages a new micro-economy in an otherwise unusable space, and replaces the dangerous void with an active and productive zone that feeds directly back into the neighborhood and into the city.

The design combines the so needed infra-structure for the area while generating a strong foundation for the residents to build upon.

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the base to build upon architectural design

Following the masterplan of the building, the architectural design focused on the minimal structure needed for the development of the complex. The three slabs were treated as solid bases for the residents, which allows (almost) complete freedom for further construction.

The slabs were place according not only to the topography, but also after a study for the best sunlight conditions.

Its dimensions were based following the scale of housing in Paraisรณpolis, always with a central corridor morphology, which would enable the labyrinthic and thermal quality of the typical small alleys to prevail.

The structure would be dimensioned to carry the load of a maximum of 5 levels, which would maintain the same scale and density from the surrounding buildings. This would also keep social contact from every floor and dismiss the need for elevators. The structure of each slab

78

follows its unique characteristics, coming from the combination of living spaces with connecting roads, always trying to maximize space. The need to have an open floorplan, free of columns, determined the porticolike structure from the top slab, while the massive hollow columns of the central slab are designed to carry the load of the road on top of it, while providing vertical connections through it.

The final design seeks for a balance between the stability of a structural intervention, with the organic growth and movement from the informal buildings. The aim is to have a building which is not afraid of neither establishing its presence with its formality, nor being used and transformed by its users.

slab basics The slabs are placed following the topography and sunlight conditions.

Central circulation morphology replicates the alley quality from the surroundings.

4 level-high buildings max in order to keep the scale from the area.

18m

+800 street level

min 6m max 20m max 15m

+770 square level

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access & circulation The streets define the position from each of the slabs.

Top slab: main street located under the houses.

Central slab: the main street connects to the top of the slab.

Bottom slab: accessed through the street and lower square.

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structural logic Following each of its unique characteristics, a structural logic is set for each one of the slabs: Top slab: portico structure which enables an open floorplan; Central slab: bridge structure which holds the road on top while creating vertical connections.

Bottom slab: a base foundation which gently follows the terrain.

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main structure

vertical circulation

supporting program

after occupation

materialization The idea for the building’s materiality was to re-use the debris from the demolished buildings in the area.

With this solution, the ecological damage from the demolition and construction of such a massive structure would be minimized.

The use of concrete for the main structure was determined for its strength, appearance, low-tech applications already mastered by the residents, and relatively low-cost.

Since most houses of the favela are built with a concrete skeleton filled with ceramic blocks, these would be separated, crushed and re-used as the aggregate for the concrete mixture, resulting in a unique appearance.

The aim is that the structure appear to merge with its surroundings, grounding itself in its location.

House with typical materials used in ParaisĂłpolis.

90

building deconstruction

separation

roofing

glass

concrete

ceramics

exposed formwork concrete mixed with ceramics structural columns & beams

crushing

re-use

concrete with exposed ceramics aggregate floor tiles

91

View from a surrounding alley entrance, before occupation.

92

After occupation the building would come to live and have an influence into the whole community.

93

As the design advanced, each slab was divided into two main levels: the street level, where the main road is located; and the alley level, where the housing units are located. The design tried to replicate the qualities of the two main types of occupation in Paraisópolis. As shown before, the street environment is more lively due to its mixed-use buildings, while the alleys have a more quiet residential atmosphere.

In the top slab, the street is located below the alley level. Access to the dwellings is made via staircases located in voids at the center of the slab allowing sunlight to pass through. A clear hierarchy between public and private spaces is created in this case.

The height difference between the levels allow for large vehicles to run through the building. This would allow public and emergency transportation, as well as waste collection routes, which now are non-existent.

On the opposite side of the road, space for shops and other commercial functions is allocated.

94

The portico structure, as explained before, allows for a floorplan free of columns, giving the desired freedom for the residents to build upon. Its large beams would also define the height limit, while providing an extra structure to be used for the dwellings in different ways.

A raised floor system was used throughout the whole complex, which would provide the residents the necessary MEP installations, to be then “plugged-in” to each one of the houses. Different type of pavements would delimit the areas which could be built upon against the minimal areas for circulation.

Furthermore, the terrain would be left intact as much as possible, with the structure raising from it, enabling the stormwater to runoff beneath it.

Top slab - cross section

95

Top slab - street level floorplan

96

Top slab - alley level floorplan

97

Top-level structure on alley level before occupation.

98

People would appropriate the building and transform the place to their own desires.

99

The central slab acts as a bridge, with the main street located on its top.

The alley level would be divided into two zones, separated by a void which would allow for natural light and ventilation. Huge hollow columns would house staircases connecting the different levels.

The street level in this case would take a form of an urban promenade, housing many different functions and activities, such as sports courts, run track and market stalls. It would become a necessary public space for Paraisรณpolis.

Small details such as integrated public illumination and planters were envisioned in order to add even more quality to the space. By focusing on these kind of details, it is hoped that the residents and users become even more proud of the space which belongs to them, and get increasingly involved with the community.

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Central slab - cross section

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Central slab - alley level floorplan

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Central slab - street level floorplan

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The promenade would house many activities, such as sports courts, run tracks and market stalls.

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The bottom structure consists of small “boxes” next to each other, with a ramp in between them which follows the angle of the terrain. These “boxes” works as simple bases to be built upon and would allow for different configuration of dwellings and shops.

The structure in the street level is raised from the floor to prevent flooding, as in the other parts of the complex. In this case, the “alley level” is transformed into a “square level”, and would provide space for different kinds of functions.

Staircases would be located regularly to connect the different levels.

Additional vertical circulation would be built by the residents to reach upper floors, but keeping the idea of each floor as an independent building, just like in the other areas of Paraisópolis.

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Bottom slab - cross section

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Bottom slab - street level floorplan

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Bottom slab - alley level floorplan

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The street between the central and lower slab.

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Cross section through the complex.

afterword

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When I first started this project, my focus was not in the favelas per se, but into addressing in some way the extreme opposites which exists in Brazil, the huge gap between social classes and the issues coming from this, specially the violence which is such recurrent in the country.

As a Brazilian citizen living in the Netherlands for 5 years, my fascination came from the fear and suspicion I feel when walking on the streets back in my home country. Is this feeling in some way related to how our cities are built?

The rich fear the violence and losing their belongings and so they build “forts” to secure themselves, without noticing that this makes them even more insecure about the ones outside these “forts”. Our cities end up being built surrounded by walls and fences, creating an hostile environment.

In my opinion, this kind of urban segregation only aggravates the situation, since there is no interaction between different social groups.

When visiting Paraisópolis for the first time I was convinced on how a lifestyle based on the community could be very beneficial to our society.

The informality and proximity of people makes them care for each other. Generally speaking, people

who are from the favelas feel safer inside their neighborhood and don’t want to leave even if they have a raise in their income. I believe we as architects and urban planners have a lot to learn from these communities.

Most of the projects done in informal settlements simply discard all the history and knowhow of these communities in their building process. This project seeks for different alternatives based on the local knowledge and its existing social processes, in order to strengthen the community and make them more independent from the absent government. A catalyst for social inclusion, better education and overall empowerment of the community.

Moreover, the project questions the role of both the architect and the State on the process of working with informal settlements. It claims for interventions which gives basic conditions for the people who most need, while providing better opportunities for them to grow.

Maybe by then, the social gap could begin to shrink.

Lucas Pissetti

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With special thanks to: Fernanda Romeu Veronica Della Ventura Alberto Bernes Angela Solis Kejdi Lulja colleagues from NOAHH Gilson Rodrigues Elisabete Franรงa Marcos Boldarini Marcelo Rebelo Monica Tarragรณ Bart Bulter Johanna van Doorn Maurizio Scarciglia

lucaspissetti