Marina Rosa

The Pirajussara Perimeter of Urban Intervention defined by Sao Paulo’s Municipal Government comprised 4,085,874m2 of urban land located in the Pirajussara River sub-basin, in the Southern area of the city. The irregular occupation of public and private lots in this area started in the '70s; by 2010, there were 16 known informal settlements within this perimeter, totalling 2,901 homes.

The main challenges for the re-urbanization in Pirajussara were:
a) to eliminate risks related to flooding and landslides, especially alongside the Diniz Stream;
b) to implement a green path alongside the mentioned stream;
c) to resettle families in appropriate housing units, preferably in empty lots within the perimeter;
d) to implement sport and leisure public facilities;
e) to improve connections between parts of the neighbourhood that were isolated.

The design reinforced the Diniz Stream valley as a structuring axis for the Perimeter, linking public spaces, existing neighbourhoods and new housing for relocation. The proposed residential buildings took advantage of the topography to maximize height and offer more resettlement units.

The urban strategy was to uncover the river, at that stage partially hidden by the dwellings, and to make it approachable and attractive. The designers were especially interested in improving live through landscape design, recognizing that open spaces are a rare and precious resource in these areas. The result is a civic axis of social and cultural exchange, providing the neighbourhood with much-needed public space and valuing its identity. Procedures, such as eliminating physical barriers for motorized and pedestrian access and implementing public services, sewage and water systems, had an essential role in achieving environmental quality and connectivity of the urban fabric. Additionally, the design redefined the sections of the streets and implemented traffic calming strategies, so that the public space, until now dominated by the perspective of the car, could be revitalized.

*Awarded first prize in Urban Design and Social Housing Competition Renova SP. Featured at the 2018 Venice Biennial.