CASA CASULO: Temporary shelter prototype for the homeless - B.Arch final thesis
Author: Igara Garcia / Advisor: Ana Rolim
Catholic University of Pernambuco (UNICAP)
The project aimed to create a mobile prototype for temporary housing for homeless individuals in Recife, Brazil, based on observations of how they occupy public spaces for shelter.
SITE
The test site was located in downtown Recife, specifically at Independence Square, Dezesette Square, and Dantas Barreto Avenue.
TYPOLOGY-BASED DESIGN APPROACH
After identifying areas with high concentrations of homeless individuals, we analyzed how they occupy these spaces for shelter. Different shelter typologies, such as the bed, living room, alcove, and bunk bed, were observed through non-intrusive observation.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Observations of homeless occupations revealed the need for protection against weather, adaptability, and ergonomic considerations. Design guidelines were established to incorporate ease of transport, weather protection, adaptability, and fitting into common accommodation spaces like sidewalks and squares.
Click here for a video about the project https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AkYlIl-Bm1WdxCRZj-MoERxHZ42YGeyi/view?usp=sharing
 The Casa Casulo is flexible and user-friendly |  Site test identified as having large concentration of homeless people in the city of Recife |  Example of existing form of occupation of public spaces for temporary shelter |
|---|---|---|
 Example of existing form of occupation of public spaces for temporary shelter |  One of the existing typologies of public space occupation observed in the streets, the "bunk bed" |  One of the existing typologies of public space occupation observed in the streets, the "living room" |
 One of the existing typologies of public space occupation observed in the streets, the "alcove" |  One of the existing typologies of public space occupation observed in the streets, the "bed" |  Criteria to accommodate the proposed prototype |
 The prototype components |  The prototype transforms based on the users' needs : transport, street vending and sleeping |  Floor plan detail |
 Section detail |  The prototype can be used to collect recyclable items and further selling to generate income for the user |  The prototype being adjusted to the sleeping mode |
 Some of the possibilities of spatial organisation of several shelters, a common condition observed in the streets |  The construction phase of the prototype to test its feasibility |  The construction phase of the prototype to test its feasibility |
 The construction phase of the prototype to test its feasibility |  The construction phase of the prototype to test its feasibility |  The end prototype showcasing a customized façade treatment: enclosed condition (top) and stretched to adapt to sleeping mode (bottom) |
 The end prototype showcasing its adaptation to sleeping mode |