‘Architecture for those who need it most’ shows dignity for poor

Dilapidated homes are the reality for thousands of families in Brazil. They face great challenges since proper hygenic facilities are lacking, cracks are found in walls and ceilings invaded by insects, hot water, plumbing, electricity are not available, and infrastructure is lacking for proper waste disposal. According to 2018 IBGE national data, 35.7% of the population does not have access to waste water infrastructure and 5.8 million people lack basic sanitation. As Pope Francis writes in Laudato Si’ ( ls 158), “In the present condition of global society, where injustices abound and growing numbers of people are deprived of basic human rights and considered expendable, the principle of the common good immediately becomes, logically and inevitably, a summons to solidarity and a preferential option for the poorest of our brothers and ...