Respira, Maria: estudo preliminar de casa de apoio a mulheres em situação de rua como reuso em edificação histórica

Abstract

At present, there are big social problems yet to be solved in Natal. Amongst them, housing deficit and empty urban spaces, especially the ones formed by the buildings in the city’s historical center. Between so many in a homelessness situation, women are placed on an even more vulnerable position. Suffering not only with the inherent difficulties of being homeless, but also with increased danger of physical and sexual abuse that stem from gender-related issues. Natal currently has a single permanent hostel dedicated to homeless people, regardless of gender, that works 24 hours; there is no specific place or extra assistance to women in this condition in the city. Thinking of this situation and in the potiguar built heritage, currently poorly preserved and with a big portion of it being either badly or sub-utilized, this work aims to develop a preliminary study on the reform of a heritage building, turning it into a temporary living center for homeless women. Being sensible to both the historical value of the heritage building as well as it’s internal and external preservation state, the proposed changes aim to have minimal impact on the building’s structure while still meeting the needs of comfort, privacy and recovery of the residents.