Recognizing and understanding Brazilian bioclimatic architecture of the 20th century: An environmental approach

• Grant number: 24/00291-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Architecture and Town Planning - Architecture and Urbanism Technology
• Principal Investigator: Alessandra Rodrigues Prata Shimomura
• Grantee: Eduardo Gasparelo Lima
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo (FAU). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Bioclimatic Architecture is a form of architecture that adjusts to the climatic and geographical conditions of a specific location. Its primary aim is to create comfortable spaces for human occupants, utilizing architectural elements exclusively. Often, these elements align with local techniques and materials. Bioclimatic projects are distinguished by the integration of passive environmental conditioning strategies from the initial design stages. This integration ensures a reduction in the energy consumption of buildings. In recent decades, researchers across the national territory have highlighted the environmental quality of Brazilian bioclimatic production. The principal objective of this research is to recognize and to understand national bioclimatic architecture, with a particular focus on housing projects. The hypothesis posits that this architecture can be identified and systematized in distinct periods through a project evaluation method from an environmental perspective. This method will be organized into an evaluation tool, which will be one of the final products of this research. Additionally, a historiographical contribution will be made, delving into the concepts of Bioclimatism within Brazilian architecture of the 20th century. This historical analysis suggests a systematic categorization into four distinct periods: (I) 1888 - 1928; (II) 1928 - 1963; (III) 1963 - 1973/78; and (IV) 1973/78 - 2000. The methodology is based on a scoping literature review, development and systematization of a systematic evaluation method, selection and analysis of projects relevant to the research focus, and comparison and indexing of the works. A secondary outcome of the research is expected to be the creation of a digital domain to make the evaluated architectural collection available, as well as the evaluation tool itself.