Living in Rocinha

Sstrategies for enhancing natural lighting and ventilation

Abstract

Rocinha, located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, was once considered the largest favela in Latin America (IPP-RJ), with the highest population density in the country: 48,300 people per km², according to data from the 2022 Census (IBGE). This high density is directly related to the large concentration of housing, which results in limited access to natural lighting and ventilation — a condition conducive to the spread of diseases. This study aims to present the complexities involved in implementing interventions in favela housing with a view to improving thermal performance. To this end, a case study was developed in which, through urban context analysis, serial walks, and interviews with female residents, design strategies and recommendations were formulated for a building with two housing units, in order to achieve greater permeability to natural light and ventilation in a context where conventional solutions are difficult to implement. The proposed strategies consider each unit individually, emphasizing the importance of technical assistance and shedding light on complex issues related to the health of residents and the salubrity of housing, from a sensitive perspective.