Studio Process - GSD Cantinho do Céu Studio in São Paulo
Although the studio is set in the context of a real project, the studio is not limited by its boundaries. It is actually expected that students will develop new experimental ideas that go beyond the usual notions of favela upgrading.
The first phase of the studio is characterized by a familiarization process paralleled by design exercises. The familiarization phase will include the general study of (1) the city, (2) the water reservoir and (3) the metropolis. Students will study the proposals of SEHAB and critique them. In a parallel process students will develop program and tactical design ideas. Students will have to define their study and research agenda. They can work as individuals or in small groups. Investigations can range from the watershed scale to the individual housing unit. The goal is to develop a thicket of ideas. As diverse topics as the provision of replacement housing, alternative wastewater treatment or recreational infrastructure can be pursued. In a concept workshop students will get direct feedback from a representative of the Housing Agency. The first phase ends with a concept pin-up.
The second phase starts with the field trip to São Paulo in the first week of March. One important part of the trip will be meeting the community. There students will make contacts with key members of Cantinho do Céu and ask detailed questions. In a consecutive workshop they will present their concepts to the Housing Agency and local experts. Once students are back in Cambridge they have time to digest their impressions and further refine their tactical concepts. The second phase will end in a midterm review.
In the final third phase students will further refine their concepts and bring their design operations to a detailed and realistic level. The third phase ends with a final review.