Arquitetura na periferia: uma experiência de assessoria técnica para grupos de mulheres

Abstract

This dissertation presents a method of technical assistance to groups of women with very low income to improve their homes. The work of architects with those living in the periphery is still scarce, even though its where the greatest demand for housing improvements exists. The research started with the hypothesis that it is possible to offer technical assistance of architecture to a socially excluded population, by reformulating the conventional professional procedures, without the need to rely on public funds and with no prior organization of the participants. From an analysis of the social context of people with very low income and of the structure of architectures field, and based on the works of the Grameen Bank and the research group MOM, this research presents a process guided by the work in groups and the sharing of information, rather than simply offering a product. This process is not restricted to the development of technical designs - it covers from the expression of needs and desires of the residents to the planning, funding and monitoring of the construction works. Above all, seeks the autonomy of the participants, in order to provide them with the information needed to broaden their choices and make their decisions, instead of making them dependent. More than being participants, customers of this process should be the protagonists.