The construction industry is one of the largest sectors in Brazil, with high rates of non-professional labor covering a large percentage of urban construction, conceived without the supervision of a technical professional, such as an architect or engineer. The high costs associated with construction lead a large segment of society to seek alternatives for building their homes. Throughout this process, these individuals acquire informal technical knowledge in the construction field; however, the lack of specific design and planning leads to problems such as poorly utilized, dimly lit, and poorly ventilated spaces, a lack of alternatives for material use, unnecessary demolitions, and extended construction timelines that generate expenses and unforeseen issues.
Workshop Presentation in the Neighborhood _ We invite you to participate in the workshop “From Model to Construction – The Permanent House.” Addressing a real-world demand, this workshop aims to build a 19m² house in a peripheral neighborhood on the far east side of São Paulo—a location lacking the infrastructure and technical support necessary for private life. Dona Alexandrina (75), a resident who has lived in a temporary wooden house built by the NGO TETO for over five years, has decided to build her permanent masonry home with the help of local residents, following recommendations from the community concerned about the structural conditions of the current house. The NGO’s houses are built with pine timber, which lasts between 5 and 8 years.
Work Plan _ Through this workshop, we intend to raise funds to pay for local labor and a percentage of the construction costs. The workshop will span four weeks, with two weeks of work at Estúdio Cruz, located in Barra Funda. We will develop models and prototypes at scales ranging from 1:20 to 1:1, delving into the theme of “ways of living” through practical exercises using materials such as paper, wood, and concrete. During these first two weeks, we will work on the development of key elements—addressing masonry, doors, roofs, windows, and furniture—viewing these elements as design delineators. In the following two weeks, we will move to the construction site to work alongside local laborers on masonry, mortar preparation, floor installation, electrical and plumbing systems, and finishes, as well as installing the key elements developed in the previous weeks.
