Implementing small and big interventions in order to upgrade the living quality in a low-income settlement

This master thesis aims to provide a framework of small and big interventions in order to upgrade the living quality in Chié, a low-income settlement between the city centres of Olinda and Recife.

The project strives to implement permeability through public spaces, social functions and modular housing to prevent further densification in Chié. A masterplan is proposed which suggests spatial interventions that can help revive the area. This plan aspires to be a combination of awareness, community activism, sustainability, new approaches to prefabrication and modular design.

Based on research in Chié, many missed opportunities in the spatial organisation of the district were found. Therefore, problems had to be prioritised. After many observations, a lot of fieldwork, an extensive literature study, several case studies and comprehensive design research, this master thesis analyses two possible scenarios for the revitalisation of Isla do Chié. Both masterplan scenarios contain concepts and interventions to support the local community in the revival of the district. This analysis helps to understand the community of Chié and provides tools to evaluate where certain interventions can have the most impact. Chié already has much potential and many advantages, which designers should be able to exploit.

In this thesis, bottom-up designing and achievability were strived for, staying away from designing idyllic or unrealistic things. Participation and the involvement of the inhabitants proved public space and public life are vital to the social security in the community.