Adapt to host: transforming the existing into new experiences of housing in Sao Paulo's city centre

Abstract

As a consequence of the unprecedented urban population growth, and the continuous increase of the urbanisation rates, we have been reaching an intensively built environment, accumulating structures and increasing our building stock relentlessly at global scale. Such condition, raises questions to the architecture discipline: What to do with the built? How do we deal with the consolidated and extensive built environment that we have today? What to do with such preexisting structures? The extensive built environment, byproduct of a constant newly build-up process, bings challenges in terms of possible approaches, and also concerning contradictions in terms of use. As a response to such concerns, and in the search for alternative building modes, the methodology of adapting the existing architecture for a continued use, appears as an alternative to better mediate our built urban conditions and its existing structures. An alternative that is more sustainably and culturally sound, more aware of our reality, and also in straighter connection to the user, community and actual needs of society. Through the exploration of practical project strategies for a new housing program, that can be applied in a real context, the methodology of adapting the existing architecture shows it self as not only doable, but also advantageous and inspiring of quality and creative project outcomes. Furthering thus the idea of “to adapt” as methodology to be explored in order to improve our urban environment and therefore develop architecture ideas thinking on the future.