Caritas

Challenge to design a memorial cum learning center in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brief Grants Schedule Awards & Fees Jurors Become a Partner Discussion Entries (2)Leaderboard Rules & Guidelines

Overview

sustainable architecture environmental degradation climate chnage latin america america usa email population economic inequality brazil nation income well-being unrest social conflicts pverty Fig: 1 - Brazil has seen many protests bringing people on the streets leading to unrest and violence. (Credits: The Brazil Notebook)

PREMISE

Brazil is the base of mass immigration, making it multi-cultural and ethnically diverse. The country is also blessed with a rich natural landscape of biodiversity, wildlife and forests that puts Brazil on the centre stage of global interest, due to threats of environmental degradation and climate change.

Brazil is rich in resources and a favourable climate so it is a super-producer and economically progressing nation. It has the largest economy in Latin America, and its wide range of industries employs a significant portion of the population.

While the economic front gains mass global wealth, only 10% of Brazilians earn 42.7% of the nation's income while the poorest 34% earn less than 1.2%. This economic inequality has plagued the nation with poverty. Issues of wages and employment have risen, and Brazil is faced with severe political unrest and social conflicts.

How does the instability of the system affect the well-being of the local population?

deforestation forest education indigenous tribes biolence inequality country brazil architecture competition architecture design challenges illustration brumadinho mining disaster latin maercia Fig: 2 - Inequality is a major concern in the country where the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. (Credits: Dario Oliveira / Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

ISSUE

Brazil today, is encased with environmental, economic, and social problems to which the political response is inadequate and uncompromising. With poverty and inequality, come problems of crime and violence, riots, unemployment and infrastructure inadequacy.

Deforestation results in violent behaviour among indigenous tribes. The regulations and infrastructure for the protection of indigenous communities are lacking. Activities like mining, logging and agriculture harm the environment and global climate. The Brumadinho mining disaster in 2019 was a huge environmental tragedy.

Education is hit the most, due to widespread malnutrition, violence, discrimination, and abuse. Even though education is free, the quality is different in private and public institutions due to corruption and lack of funds. This distinction furthers imbalance in society.

The instability and chaos are constantly being battled by authorities and citizens alike, but unity and integrity in efforts are yet to be achieved.

monument brazil learning center harmony educational enter educational building brazil architecture Fig: 3 - People come together during city wide events and this unity can be used to promote harmony in the region.

BRIEF OF THE COMPETITION

The promotion of sustainable, green and inclusive development is essential to overcome urban issues like sprawl and poverty, and to overcome disasters and pollution.

The challenge is to design a monument commemorating Brazil’s internal fight for peace, security and unity in the region. The structure will perform as a learning center in the city.

The center will operate as a learning centre for visitors to find out about the rich history and emerging present of Brazil. At the same time, it will function as an informal education center and skill development, for local populations in the area. The design must be inclusive, accessible and offer support to vulnerable communities.

The aim of the design is to understand how architecture can play a role in supporting public initiatives through accommodating spatial design. The understanding of the context and its conditions is extremely important for this task.

OBJECTIVES

Vision: The design of the monument must create a visual impact on the city.
Exploratory/journey: the layout of the design should create an anticipatory journey for its visitors. Achieving harmony in the city is one of the main objectives.
Accessibility: the centre must be designed to accommodate all types of users and members of society
Sustainability: the design must not negatively impact the site or surrounding and make use of resources efficiently.
Context: the environmental and cultural constraints must be taken under consideration.

SITE

São Paulo is a global megacity with more than 30 million population. It consists of multi-national and ethnicity populations along with native tribes. The huge number of immigrants has posed a threat to secularism in the city.

The city is a major economic centre, and despite this progress, a deep inequality is seeded in the city where at least one-third of the population is living in favelas (slums). Problems of pollution, floods (Brumadino disaster) and insecurity bother the city. Unequal societies face discrimination, crime, violence, lack of education, wages and unemployment.

The site is located in the neighbourhood of Bixiga, in the centre of the city. It can be accessed by Rua Jaceguai road, surrounded by cultural centres and commercial establishments.

Coordinates = 23°33'17.1"S 46°38'30.2"W
Site area = 4972.69 q.m
Height restriction = 6 metres
Maximum FAR = 1
Ground coverage = 40%

Setbacks (as per CAD plan)

Ground Coverage refers to the ratio of maximum allowed solid/permanent footprint on the site to balance the built and unbuilt spaces. You can utilize the other 60% of the site for any temporary intervention/recreation.

AREA PROGRAMME

The programmatic outline is the point to begin your design at. You can add more functions and activities in relevance or modify the below design programme.