BRAZILIAN SOCIAL HOUSING POLICY: TOWARD A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

In the last decade, Brazil passed through several political and economic reforms that led to significant social changes, among which the reduction of the levels of inequality and extreme poverty. Nowadays considered one of the emerging economies, the country seeks to solidify its position through wide strategies aimed to propose decisive initiatives for a balanced social development, which are deeply affecting local architecture and urban planning. In this scenario social housing design has become, since the last decade, the mirror of a national policy that is implementing robust strategies to achieve high levels of growth. The paper provides an overview of the upgrades achieved in the field of low-income dwellings in Brazil, with particular reference to the state of São Paulo. The policy framework established in the last years by Brazilian administrations, institutions and associations are described as well as the most remarkable proposals and initiatives for the development of innovative and sustainable social houses in the state of São Paulo. Strengths and weaknesses of recent social houses design will be analysed from a social, environmental and architectural point of view.