Oasis

TUL - Technical University of Liberec, Faculty of Architecture

Project idea

Improving living conditions in slums.
"Today's city will be one of the other strata of the country. We grow from these roots as a leaf of a tree that falls, looses its form and seeks its extinction."

I would like to improve the view of the near future and improve the living standard of the favela. I strive to gradually create self-sufficient areas and a system that flexibly embraces the needs of favel and slums around the world. The system, which, following its location, will adapt to the social typology, needs and landscape character, by its shape, material and structure of associated buildings.

Project description

Living structures_Rio de Janeiro_Brazil

My proposal is in two phases. The first is the release of the most densely populated parts of the favela by demolishing a small percentage of their build-up. This will create a free space flowing through the airtight blocks and forming "small squares" across parts of the favela. The second part consists in placing the subtle structure above the created free space.

I have chosen the circular shape deliberately for Rocinha because of its great compactness and lack of public services in areas outside the main road. Here I create a free space of an annular shape, where there is a service road and a pedestrian promenade with a place for selling stalls. Above this space is a subtle concrete structure carried by slender steel columns. Thus, the entire lower space is covered and protected against the sun and rain. Both levels are different. The bottom is at ground level, leveled into a smooth path. The second disappears into the gangrene of small residential blocks and sometimes emerges over their roofs. It has a cascading character with stairs and ramps. There are places for fruit and vegetable markets, a seating area with a view or a sports ground. There are also free vistas in the platform for the noise going down. Some of the newly planted trees grow.

Technical information

Trade and services are concentrated in the ring. This longitudinal square serves generally as a communication and pedestrian zone with places for free movement of people and markets. This is compounded by new buildings with a diverse range of fillings that stick to the ring. Vertical green farm, funicular railway for easier transport and supply of upper parts of favela, building with integrated rescue system, post office, educational institutions and public administration. There are also large dispensers for water, accessible to the public as needed. All new buildings are equipped with solar panels and small wind turbines to power themselves and their surroundings.

The whole structure is designed not only to improve the standard of living of the phalanxes, but also to attract tourists and possible investments with them.