A FAAP student project in collaboration with local NGO AMAP focused on improving the lives of the residents of Jardim Panorama, a poorer enclave amid richer parts of São Paulo.
By Edward Lenzi
The expansion of large cities has a ‘natural’ dynamic, driving the lower classes to the outskirts of the city, where costs are lower and the availability of public services (health, safety, transportation and leisure) is less too. Still, some islands of needy communities have formed over the years on land targeted by real estate investors. Jardim Panorama is one such case, researched by FAAP students in collaboration with AMAP, a local community NGO.
Walls and expropriation
The architecture students quickly discovered the private power attempts to isolate the area physically and visually from its rich surroundings. In addition to walls, constructed to hinder the access of the residents to the quality shopping centre neighbouring the community, some attempts of expropriation of the area occurred. The residents, with documented rights, came together to fight for their permanent stay in the area and for the improvement of the infrastructure.
Metal bridge
In addition to bringing educational and leisure workshops to the community, created a relatively simple urban project to transform the lives of local residents: a metal bridge across the Pinheiros River to reconnect them with the rest of the city and with the Berrini train station. This simple construction would reduce walking distance from 5 km to 800 m and would facilitate the access to infrastructure across the river that is lacking in the neighbourhood.
The students also suggest the construction of wide pavement next to a park strip on the river bank, to provide new options of leisure, sports and, of course, the effective reintegration of Jardim Panorama to the city of São Paulo.
Top image: session overview / all photos José de Holanda