RE-THINKING THE EDGE Sustainable redevelopment of Serrinha favela in Florianópolis (Brazil)

The analysis and surveys in Serrinha, favela of Florianópolis, have highlighted the critical issues related to housing, hence the decision to focus on the housing problem. Informality and formality can coexist in the form of re-use and in an effort to design and develop a project rooted in the context, which is singular, but also repeatable.

I had the chance to participate in two very interesting workshops which were held in Brazil and in India. During these workshops I was able to analyze and understand the lifestyles in various cities and countries which are very different from my own. I witnessed the barriers (both physical and metaphorical) that separate and isolate the poorest and most disadvantaged groups; despite the poverty and degradation, these groups of people have proven to be capable of organizing themselves and to survive thanks to their sense of community and mutual help. In Brazil I collaborated with the inhabitants of a small favela; their enthusiasm and energy were striking. They showed me their incredible desire to improve their lives day after day with pride and dignity. I think that architecture should not only concern the construction of large buildings: deep down, it's a very human act that, with a few gestures, can actually improve living conditions. Worldwide people are working on small projects for urban regeneration by often using recycled items and by involving local communities. Many designers have demonstrated the validity of this element, in the construction and architecture, a field still in its experimental phase where the references is completed by the richness of direct experiences of people who have taken up building houses out of containers.\nThese experiences were very important for me and i would like to continue this path of research in this context. In my opinion the best part about being an architect is get to know different cultures and see the situation first-hand to build something good with your hands.