Architecture as Instruction: Paradigmatic Interventions in the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to propose alternative architectural interventions for the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. The designs came after thorough research into the history of favela management, the current political and economic situation, and the physical construction of favelas. I also explored a number of case studies that were used to inform the ideas. I concluded by examining the barriers to implementation and the possibility of using the upcoming Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup to fund similar projects.

The community center models were based on a number of principles that I identified in the body of my thesis. Rather than have a set design, the intention was to create a set of guidelines and techniques that could be applied as needed. I recognized the informal nature of favela construction and these were intended to facilitate further changes by the favela residents themselves with minimal outside funding. The central elements were cost efficiency, adaptability, environmentality, locality, visibility, verticality, accessibility, centrality, publicity, and exemplary potential, while the techniques incorporated were vertical parks with multi-level access, green roofs, green walls, rainwater catchment cisterns, access to formal power, exposed foundation and exposed re-bar. These built on existing modes of construction so that the buildings would relate to the surrounding landscape but still set a new precedent.

See the full text here: https://digitalwindow.vassar.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1188&context=senior_capstone

Below are the three proposed interventions.