Tenth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

This work is the synthesis of an undergraduate thesis in Architecture and Urbanism at the University of Fortaleza, Brazil. It aims to add in sustainable development and the right to the city, through a reflection on the importance of rehabilitating abandoned urban spaces, as well as empty or underused buildings. The city of Fortaleza, located in Northeastern Brazil, one of the most impoverished and unequal regions in the country, faces the following paradox: while the housing deficit equals 147,111 units, there are 166,662 vacant households with the potential to be occupied. This study considers a possible solution to the severe housing deficit, which is a result of a capitalist and unequal urbanization process. Another consequence is urban segregation, where the underprivileged portion of the population needs to seek housing alternatives in peripheral areas, considering that the central areas are subjected to real estate speculation. The research was based on five main methodologies: 1. Bibliographic review, where the main concepts and theories about the subject were examined; 2. Documentary research; 3. Case studies; 4. Data collection related to the downtown area of Fortaleza; 5. Participatory process with the residents of an underused building in the downtown area of Fortaleza. In conclusion, the paper proposes an architectural project for reusing an underutilized building in the downtown area of Fortaleza, and aligns with some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as: no poverty, reduced inequalities, and sustainable cities and communities.