Master’s Project

ISMABYS SENRAFIU School of Architecture + The Arts

Typology & Precedent Studies

Recreation & Leisure time Has been a human need since the early beginnings. It refers to activities in which we engage for pleasure,

enjoyment, and amusement. They are believed to restore our mind and body in a healthy manner, even

though some recreational activities are risky or produce a negative impact to our life. In ancient times

leisure activities included sports such as athleticism, gymnastics, hunting, and fighting. During the early

1900’s recreation areas such as parks and facilities were developed to house programs for social, education,

and entertainment activities.

EducationIn general, is the act or experience through which humans acquire knowledge, skills, and values; and it is

usually passed on from one generation to another.

Community Centers came about during the early 1900’s with the purpose of providing gathering places after

school hours for group activities, social support, and public information.

Social centers were also popular and in contrast to community centers, they were large places offering a

wide range of activities and areas within the facility. Coffee shops, art performance and exhibitions,

bookstores, and computer labs are some of those activities.

It is a contemporary entertainment venue with an upscale bowling alley and a full size restaurant and bar. The venue offers spare time to adolescents during the late afternoon, whereas adults take over at night. The space is subdivided in different zones giving each activity its own area.

Splitsville Lanes & LoungeSouth Miami, FL

Community Centers, Miami FL

Pinecrest It is the focal point of Pinecrest residents, who can benefit from a diverse selection of enrichment programs such as health and wellness.

Coral Gables Youth CenterThe youth Center offers a wide range of activities to the community through different programs for children, adolescents, and adults.

•In the last six decades Brazil’s urban population has gone from 20%

to 80% leading to a decrease in physical activity

•The levels of sugar consumption as well as fats and carbohydrates

are high in Brazilians’ diet

•Obesity index could match that of the US by 2022, according to

government health experts, if trends continue

•47.3% of adult males and 39.5% of adult females are overweight

•There is a necessity to educate the population on how to maintain

themselves healthy

•Brazilians are happy-fun people who enjoy music, sports, and good

company

•Not every Brazilian has the opportunity to know and enjoy the

beauties of its own country

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazil

Location: Eastern South America bordering Argentina, Bolivia,

Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname,

and Venezuela

Capital: Brasilia

Population: 184,101,109

Ethnic Make-up: 55% white (includes Portuguese, German,

Italian, Spanish, Polish), 38% mixed white and black, 6% black,

1% other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian)

Religions: Roman Catholic (nominal) 80%

Language: Portuguese

Brazil political organization

Brazil became independent from Portugal in 1822 and

established a constitutional monarchy until 1930. Then Getúlio

Dorneles Vargas became the president, closed down the

congress, and established a dictatorship until 1945. Brazil’s

constitution was promulgated in 1988.

Current Political Structure

•Political organization is similar to that of the United States

•It is a Federal republic with 26 states

•Consist of three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial

• President is elected for 4 years and can be re-elected for a

second term

•There are 3 senators for every state and federal district, who

are elected for 8 years. There are 513 deputies

•There are 19 political parties including democrats,

republicans, communists, socialists, and labor parties.

•In 2011 the first female president was elected

Design Guidelines

• Design should follow the city’s needs independently of its

government

• Women are as important as men

Brazil economic environment support

• Brazil has the world’s seventh wealthiest economy. After being

in an excessive indebtedness, reforms were made during the

1990’s and it became a country economically stable with

growth and social gains for an extended period of time.

• In 2008 they underwent an economic crisis but recovered at a

fast pace.

• Despite of the global slowdown Brazil still has a stable

economy growth, low inflation rates, and improvement in social

well-being because of its strong domestic market.

• Poverty index has dropped tremendously in the last decade,

however inequality remains high, while secondary education is

not accessible to everyone.

• A significant part of the country’s economy relies on the use of

natural resources

• Efforts are being made to decrease deforestation

• Other challenges Brazil faces are ocean degradation,

constructing an environmentally sensitive agriculture, and

reshaping of urban environments

Rio de Janeiro cultural & social underpinning

• Rio is the second largest and richest city in Brazil

• Its beauty goes beyond its surroundings; its habitants are

welcoming, friendly, and always with a happy expression in

their faces

• Culture was influenced by the Portuguese, English, and

French

•High population density and ethnic mix

•Is the main cultural hub in the country

• Has leadership in Brazilian cinema

• Known for its music, theater, and performing arts.

• Tourism plays an important role in the city

•Important cultural events include new year’s celebration and

the famous carnivals

• Habitants are known as “Cariocas”

• Family is the foundation of the social structure

• Significant social class inequality

• One fifth of its habitants live in favelas (slum),however the

government is working to improve this issue

• High crime rate

Rio de Janeiro geographic characteristics

• Rio de Janeiro is mainly made up of seas, mountains and forests

• Developed around the Tijuca Forest which is the largest urban forest in

the world

• Lies on the South Eastern region of Brazil

• The coastline measures 246,22 km long and is divided into three

divisions: Guanabara Bay (East), the Atlantic Ocean (South), and Sepetiba

Bay (West).

• Covers an area of 1,255,3km² which includes islands and continental

waters.

•Measures 70km from east to west and 44km from north to south

• The main river that flows through Rio is the Cabuçu or Piraquê, and the

region includes a few lagoons.

• Tropical climate due to the forests surrounding it.

• Warm and humid most of the year.

• Regions near the sea are somewhat cooler due to the ocean winds.

•In the hot summer months, the evenings are much cooler due to heavy

and rapid rains

Design Guidelines• Provide views to engage users

• Protection from weather

• Take advantage of sea breeze for outdoor areas

Rio de Janeiro architecture

• Rio de Janeiro is influenced by Portuguese, English, and

French architecture

• Architecture consist of fabulous buildings from different

periods such as classic, rococo, art deco, modern, and

contemporary

• Churches and palaces are part of their heritage

Most important landmarks in Rio de Janeiro

•Copacabana promenade by Roberto Burle Marx is a pavement

landscape pattern of 4km long

•Christ Redeemer statue is an art deco style tower at the top of

Corcovado mountain overseeing the city

• Niteroi Contemporary museum by Oscar Niemeyer

completed in 1996

•Metropolitan Cathedral St. Sebastian by Edgar Oliveira has a

modern design based on a Mayan pyramid

• Maracana Stadium is the home of Brazilian football since the

1950s

• Municipal Theater is an intricately designed structure from

the 1900s, with a classical architecture

Site selection

Reasons for selection:

•Site is located next to Copacabana Beach

• Residential area near the site

• Low Income neighborhoods (Favelas) located less than half a mile from the site

• The site is near other recreational facilities such as restaurants and clubs

• Public transportation and walking opportunities available

• Desirable views

Clube dos Marimbas

Site documentationClube dos Marimbas

Clubes dos Marimbas is a private nautical club located along the coast of Rio

de Janeiro, most specifically in Copacabana, less than 20 meters from the

beach. Here is where most hotels are situated because of its beautiful beach.

The site is also at walking distance from Favela Morro do Cantagalo and

Favela Pavao Pavaozinho, where a high percentage of low income population

live.

Hotels/ condominium/ restaurants

Immediate context analysis

Site – Clube dos Marimbas Copacabana Historic Museum

Beach

Building selection

Reasons for selection:

• Building size is appropriate for chosen typology and use

• Building architecture is suitable for the site and culture of the city

• The building shape creates a landmark that corresponds to the city architecture

• Curtain walls allow for natural lighting and pleasant views

The Frost Art Museum

Building Exterior

Building Interior

Goals & Objectives

Mission StatementDesign a meaningful community center to house a variety of educational and recreational programs that

benefit low income families. The center is dedicated to encourage children and adolescents to live a

healthy and contented lifestyle.

Facility Goals & Objectives

FORM

• Respect existing site conditions

• Protection from weather

• Take advantage of sea breeze for outdoor areas

• Language of architecture allows for freedom of design

• Promote public transportation & pedestrians way

• Make use of natural lighting

•Environmentally friendly to support sustainable architecture

SOCIAL

• Design should follow the city’s needs independently of its

government

• Women are as important as men

• Design should promote equality

• Support education for all

• Make good use of natural resources

• Create a family atmosphere

Facility Goals & Objectives

FUNCTIONAL

•Building layout must afford security to all occupants

• Circulation must be clear and legible

• Adaptable to new activities

• Spaces to promote social interaction and physical activity

• Provide private and public spaces that encourage different

relationships

• Materials that are easy to clean and maintain

• Provide individual lighting and climate controls

• Provide enough storage for all equipments

AESTHETIC

• Aesthetically pleasant environment that inspire and motivate

Children and adolescents

• Design should engage users in the different activities

•Natural lighting and views to relax and restore the occupants’ mind

• Incorporate welcoming & artistic expression of Cariocas

• Family atmosphere and values

•Task and general lighting are necessary

• Design to last through materials that maintain the intended look

• Landmarks to guide visitors throughout the facility