Conforto e adaptação espacial e individual em conjuntos habitacionais de interesse social: estudo em João Pessoa- PB

Abstract

The Social Interest Housing (HIS) project does not take into account the family profile or the needs of the proposed residents, and thus the users are forced to make spatial modifications such as insertions, frame changes, and room extensions; or employ comfort strategies such as ventilator(s), and living room or outdoor area sleeping. However, such housing changes do not always result in adequate solutions, for not providing greater environmental comfort. The present study aimed to characterize occupation use patterns in social housing; focusing on user comfort adaptations and health. The objects of study were two Social Interest housing complexes; Gadanho and Timbó; located in João Pessoa/PB. A 99 unit sample was investigated (for each unit a user was interviewed). The analysis methodology used three categories: spatial adaptation (home improvement), behavioral adaptation (comfort strategies of individuals), and thermal conditions (interior of housing). A comparison was made between the original and remodeled unit characteristics, with a study of the adaptations, as well as comparing the perception of the users concerning their level of satisfaction regarding the thermal comfort of the dwelling, and the elements motivating the remodeling performed. The results revealed a tendency towards total occupation of the lot in which, practically, the whole sample chose to alter the characteristics of the dwelling, through various extensions, few houses remaining as originally constructed. Most of the interventions in the units contributed to a loss of habitability, especially residences on the ground floors, upper floor residences are more difficult to enlarge, so the habitants resorted to the installation roof complements (open air amplifications). The interventions impacted habitability due to the large number of expansions, removal of framing, and confinement of environments; leaving them moldy, with excessive humidity, no ventilation, and dark; and thus causing respiratory problems. Finally, the poor thermal performance for the residents due to the heat was verified. Consequently, as main strategy to soften the adverse conditions inside the environments, the use of fans was employed. This research alerts to the need for greater HIS investment towards quality, especially in relation to health and energy savings. The housing remodeling continues and cannot be disregarded.