Sustainability in Affordable Housing: Possibilities for Urban Environments in the South of Brazil

Abstract

In Caxias do Sul, there is a lack of over 4,800 dwellings, further to 13,400 lacking basic infrastructure, while Brazil has a deficit of 7.2 million dwellings and another 10 million that do not offer adequate living conditions. On the other hand, the projected population growth of 67% in the next 20 years in Caxias do Sul, together with steady economic growth and massive government funding for affordable housing, makes this moment unique for the discussion and implementation of sustainable urban practices. The objective of this research is to outline a pattern language for affordable housing developments in Caxias do Sul, in order to ensure that their urban environments are designed in a more sustainable manner. Given the large amount of sub-utilized properties and urban voids in the city, this research focuses on the use of available inner city land. The patterns composition process starts with the identification of the main challenges for sustainable urban growth in Caxias do Sul. These challenges are then grouped into four key design areas, which are studied in the literature review, providing a general understanding of these areas and related sustainability goals. These design areas become a framework for the analysis of four outstanding case studies and lessons are extracted. Finally, the patterns are outlined, taking into consideration Caxias do Sul's specific scenario, and addressing the scales of the neighbourhood and the street. The research concludes that the pattern language is viable and adequate for the context of Caxias do Sul, effectively addressing the challenges for sustainable growth in this city. As with any language, it will evolve with the modifications by its users. This evolution process will require strong leadership from the public sector, allowing the pattern language to be the embryo of a strategic framework for new affordable housing developments.