Residential complex opens a new possibility in Heliópolis, São Paulo

The residential project by Biselli Katchborian Arquitetos in Heliópolis, São Paulo, opens up a new possibility in the middle of the city's largest favela. With 420 apartment-type units, SEHAB Heliópolis was built to take advantage of the terrain's topography, with the aim of maximizing the built area. The construction is part of the Favela Redevelopment Program , promoted by the City of São Paulo, which aims to transform favelas and irregular subdivisions into neighborhoods , guaranteeing their residents access to the city – with paved streets, basic sanitation, lighting and public services. Up to eight floors are built on the different levels of the housing complex. The walkways that connect one block to another on the same access levels were built using a metal structure that is distinct from the complex.

In an unusual opportunity for the city of São Paulo, the project replaces the traditional model of isolated towers with the European block model. The buildings were aligned on the lot next to the street, forming an internal courtyard with public access, intended for the leisure of residents. The distribution of units and the use of colors are crucial for the interpretation of the set as different towers without, however, losing the notion of belonging to the whole.