Tangerine
Park
Development
Juntos pelo Caí
Program
Masterplan
Location
São Sebastião do Caí, RS, BR
Status
Design
Year
2024
The city of São Sebastião do Caí, in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul, was one of the most affected by the floods that hit the state in May 2024, having also suffered from eleven other floods in less than a year. Among the material losses are schools, Basic Health Units, the Public Library, the Basic Pharmacy, the headquarters of the 27th Battalion of the Military Brigade, as well as numerous homes.
Based on the demand from the city hall and through a partnership between the public and private sectors, the OSPA Group developed, as a donation, a master plan and architectural project. The program aims to provide 44 housing units for families with incomes of up to three minimum wages who lost their homes in the incident, as well as a school for early childhood and elementary education, a Military Brigade post, and a linear park.
The 13,389.74 m² plot, owned by the municipality itself, is located in a flood-free area, and its urbanization is one of the city’s efforts to promote the relocation of lower-lying areas.
Crossing the lot, a channeled stream creates a non-buildable strip 15 meters wide from its axis. Taking advantage of this restriction, this section is treated as a green axis that connects the project to other neighboring blocks where the stream passes, in addition to sectorizing the implementation between the west side, more private, for housing, and the east side, with better urban integration and visibility, for public facilities.
The speed of construction is of utmost importance to assist families who have been housed in temporary shelters. The constructions are proposed with prefabricated modules, made of zinc sheets and thermal insulation. Each housing module consists of two housing units of approximately 36 m², comprising two bedrooms, a bathroom, as well as an integrated living room, kitchen, and service area.
Creating a layout with identity, a sense of community, and belonging was one of the project’s premises. The houses have setbacks that favor privacy, but the open areas between the modules are public, with the social area open both at the front and the back, reinforcing the idea of permeability according to demand.
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In the eastern area of the plot, the masterplan positions an elementary and primary school on the most accessible corner. The school, approximately 1500 m², includes classrooms, a library, a cafeteria, a computer lab, and a covered multipurpose area. The four modules are arranged to create an internal courtyard for the institution and establish a direct relationship with the four main facades.
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Also in the eastern area, the opposite corner of the school houses the Military Brigade post, covering 350 m², with administrative rooms, an auditorium, and dormitories. The corporation also required parking spaces, which are designed along the road in front of the site, connecting the building with the planned linear park and providing space for a public sports court.