O MAIS importante de um predio? O TERREO

Summary

This video discusses the importance of active facades in urban architecture, emphasizing how well-designed ground-floor spaces can enhance the neighborhood by integrating commercial spaces and improving safety, walkability, and community interaction. The script highlights the mistakes of past urban planning, where residential and commercial areas were segregated, causing dependence on cars and environmental issues. It showcases real-life examples of successful active facades in São Paulo, such as cafes, bookstores, and public spaces, and stresses the need for healthier, more vibrant, and pedestrian-friendly urban environments. The video encourages reflection on improving public spaces and urban design.

Takeaways

• 😀 The ground floor of a building is often overlooked but is crucial for urban integration and vitality.
• 😀 Urban planning laws in the past restricted the use of ground-floor spaces for commerce, leading to more car dependency and environmental issues.
• 😀 Active façades, which include shops and public spaces, help create a lively and more walkable city environment.
• 😀 The presence of commercial establishments on the ground floor increases the overall value of urban areas and reduces the need for car use.
• 😀 Many people wrongly oppose the idea of ground-floor commerce, associating it with noise and disruption, but this can be managed through good urban planning.
• 😀 Well-designed active façades provide safety and security by keeping public spaces occupied with people and visible activities.
• 😀 Examples of successful active façades in São Paulo, like the Oi Augusta building, demonstrate how good design can integrate commerce and public spaces.
• 😀 Urban spaces need more thoughtful designs, such as benches or book decks, that encourage people to stay in and use the street, making it safer and more vibrant.
• 😀 The focus should be on creating diverse and unique commercial spaces rather than standardizing businesses like pharmacies, which can detract from the urban experience.
• 😀 The development of better urban spaces requires a shift in market mentality and legislative support to prioritize quality over quantity, improving overall urban living conditions.

Q & A

What is the significance of the ground floor in a building?

The ground floor is crucial because it serves as the interface between the building and the public space. Historically, it has often been underused, with many buildings having blank facades, but it is now increasingly recognized as an essential space for commerce and community interaction.

How did urban planning laws in São Paulo impact the use of ground floors in buildings?

For decades, urban planning laws in São Paulo discouraged ground-floor commerce, leading to residential and commercial buildings with blank facades and no street-level engagement. Recent changes encourage placing commercial spaces on the ground floor to promote active and interactive urban environments.

What is a 'facade ativa' (active facade), and why is it important?

A 'facade ativa' is a building design where the ground floor is actively engaged with the street, featuring commercial or social spaces that invite public interaction. It's important because it promotes pedestrian activity, safety, and a vibrant urban atmosphere.

What was Mies van der Rohe's famous quote about design?

Mies van der Rohe famously said, 'God is in the details.' This emphasizes the importance of paying attention to small, intricate design elements to create a harmonious and functional built environment.

Why do some people oppose the idea of having ground-floor commerce in residential buildings?

Some people oppose the inclusion of ground-floor commerce in residential buildings due to concerns about noise, traffic, and other disturbances. They fear that replacing homes with commercial spaces might reduce the quality of life in their neighborhoods.

How can commerce in the neighborhood affect property values?

Neighborhoods with active commercial spaces can increase property values because they create vibrant, walkable environments, reducing the need for cars and improving accessibility. This contributes to a better quality of life, which is attractive to potential buyers and renters.

What examples of successful 'facade ativa' buildings are mentioned in São Paulo?

Examples mentioned include the Café Perequê at the ground floor of the Oi Augusta building and the Livraria da Travessa in Rua dos Pinheiros. Both feature welcoming, active facades with transparent storefronts, benches, and engaging spaces for pedestrians.

What benefits does an active facade provide to a neighborhood?

Active facades make streets safer by encouraging pedestrian presence, reducing crime, and fostering a sense of community. They also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the area and can support local businesses by attracting more foot traffic.

How can small urban design interventions improve the quality of public spaces?

Small interventions, like adding benches, creating pedestrian-friendly spaces, and placing cafes on the ground floor, can transform the quality of public spaces. These changes make neighborhoods more inviting and comfortable for people to walk, socialize, and interact.

Why is urban education still in its early stages in Brazil, according to the script?

Urban education in Brazil is still developing because the country is in the early stages of understanding and implementing good urban design principles. Cities are beginning to explore and experiment with better practices, but there's a long way to go in terms of widespread implementation and understanding.