Fábrica de Cultura: Grotão is an urban remediation and civic infrastructure hub located in the heart of the Paraisópolis favela in São Paulo. The challenging topography and informal settlements are transformed into a productive zone and dynamic public space.

The design centers on a performing arts school stacked above an athletic field. A new terraced landscape stabilizes the sloped terrain and prevents further erosion - transforming Grotão into a natural arena, encouraging diverse community participation, and re-establishing connections through the site to the wider neighborhood. In this way, the project expands cultural programs into the community, while forming a new network that serves youth from all levels of society.

Status: Ongoing, in development with Secretaria Municipal de Habitação De São Paulo (SEHAB)

Location: Paraisópolis, São Paulo, Brazil

Design: work completed while at Urban-Think Tank, Project Architect