Through the large portals, the desing of the Biselli Katchborian Arquitetos Associados studio allows access to its courtyards, differentiated by colors, the different blocks are connected by metal walkways, which in the absence of elevators, are responsible for forcing neighbors to meet.
By using creative solutions such as the studied changes between the pavement and the green areas of the courtyards and the powerful metal trusses that support the walkways erected on the first floors, pleasant walks are generated through the blocks of coated and painted masonry.
New block for Heliópolis housing complex by Biselli Katchborian Arquitetos Associados. Photography by Nelson Kon.
Description of project by Biselli Katchborian Arquitetos Associados
The intervention project, started between 2009/2010 and designed by the Brazilian office Biselli Katchborian, led by architects Artur Katchborian and Mario Biselli, brought a new residential block, called Gleba G, to the Heliópolis Housing Complex at the beginning of this year. This expansion is part of the continuation of the Favelas Reurbanization Program by the Municipality of São Paulo, through the Housing Department, and it includes the maintenance of the "European square" model, with an implementation without setbacks and a large internal patio, previously applied the original project.
Despite the difference of 10 years between the inauguration of the first phase of the project and the second - with the implementation of a new block - the execution of the planning proved to be efficient and without major obstacles, with only the revision of some materials used. With the addition of 221 new apartments on no more than five floors, and without the possibility of using elevators, we were able to meet the requirement of increasing density without the possibility of verticalization for the new block, by taking advantage of the great slope of the adjacent street, implementing the first floors for each building, which follow the variations of the street.
From this approach, it was possible to align the buildings to the sidewalk, creating two large internal courtyards for community coexistence, leisure and sports activities. Impressive metal trusses serve as a connection between the buildings, while large portals act as access points to the courtyards from the streets. The chromatic project, previously used in the first block, aids in distinguishing the individual towers while emphasizing their complementarity with the entire complex. It also reinforces the presence of social spaces and the area designated for condominium leisure, encouraging users to participate in various activities. Moreover, the new units are equipped with adaptations for people with disabilities.
The apartments have about 50 sqm each and feature versatile, well-lit and ventilated spaces, making them suitable for home office for the residents. The units also include balconies in the living room areas, an unusual solution for social housing in Brazil until now. The predominant materials that make up the design of the new block were aluminum frames, coated and painted structural block masonry, and the use of metal structures in the walkways that connect the buildings from their various first floors.
The new housing block offers simple and creative architectural solutions without technological automation resources/solutions, which bring direct effects for better solar incidence and natural ventilation. The patios were configured to receive light while also providing protection to the residents from direct sunlight, creating a comfortable climate during their stay in the space.
The landscaping is the protagonist when we look at the graphics, geometry and materiality of the patios. Solved in a simple but careful way, it allows a good transition from the paved area to the green area, creating quality spaces that allow several uses for moments of contemplation and leisure activities.
