+ SENSITIVE DENSIFICATION HELIÓPOLIS [Graduate Studio]

SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL / SPRING 2020 (VIA ZOOM)

Sensitive Densification: Scenarios for Reducing Housing Deterioration in the Heliópolis favela

Sponsor
Texas Tech University College of Architecture

Final Reviewers
Peter M. Ward, Leo Alves, Eduardo Pizzarro, Kirsten Larson, Elisabete França, Jake Wegmann, Fábio Valentim, Leticia Palazzi Perez, Maria Teresa Diniz, Christine Van Sluys

GRADUATE STUDIO | IN - SITU REDEVELOPMENT | REBLOCKING | CONSOLIDATED INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS | DETERIORATION

Sensitive Densification, Heliópolis is a graduate studio sequence that explores how informal settlement consolidation can lead to both improvement and decline. As part of São Paulo’s ‘area of risk’ regeneration process, this studio developed design strategies for inner-block areas most vulnerable to redevelopment pressures and rising rents. Informed by CHAPA research and community engagement, the work addressed resident-identified challenges—ranging from safety to green space—and was presented to an international jury and Heliópolis residents.