São Paulo's Housing Movements and the Urgent Need for Old Building Qualification

The recent fire at the Wilton Paes building has prompted an examination of structures occupied by housing movements in São Paulo, igniting a conversation about the city's deteriorating buildings. This dialogue emphasizes the contrast between São Paulo's focus on new developments and the neglect of its historical architecture. Research conducted by Edmur Arantes underscores the urgent need for public policies aimed at preserving older structures. Unlike their European counterparts, São Paulo struggles with a lack of technical expertise and financial resources for building upgrades. Over the past eight years, students from the Federal University of ABC have documented how residents have revitalized abandoned buildings with limited public assistance. The incident has highlighted the pressing need for both technical and financial support, as 28,000 families are in need of housing solutions and over 15,000 individuals are homeless.