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Resilience in Social Housing Projects from Architecture Competitions in Portugal and Brazil (2013–2023): Evaluating Flexibility, Environmental Adequacy, and Comfort

Author

Listed:
  • Heitor Silva

    (Department of Architecture, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-900, Brazil)

  • Clara Rodrigues

    (Department of Architecture, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-900, Brazil)

  • Hugo Farias

    (CIAUD, Research Centre for Architecture, Urbanism and Design, Lisbon School of Architecture, Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-063 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Felipe Silva

    (Department of Architecture, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-900, Brazil)

  • Maria Silva

    (Department of Architecture, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-900, Brazil)

Abstract

This study investigates the integration of resilience attributes—flexibility, environmental comfort, and ecological adequacy—into social housing projects developed between 2013 and 2023 in architectural competitions in Brazil and Portugal. The research aims to evaluate the presence and quality of these attributes in awarded proposals and to assess the alignment between design solutions and the Terms of Reference (TRs) of the competitions, identifying regulatory gaps and providing recommendations to enhance future guidelines. Methodologically, the study applies a multi-criteria matrix, adapted to different climatic and socio-cultural contexts, to conduct a qualitative and quantitative analysis of 120 projects. The results show average to good performance in categories such as Environmental Comfort and Typologies, but significant weaknesses in Water and Waste Management, Energy Efficiency, and the use of Low-Impact Materials. The findings highlight the need for TRs to incorporate more specific resilience guidelines, including strategies for water reuse, energy efficiency, and adaptive capacity. The main contribution of this research is to provide a detailed diagnostic and propose evidence-based recommendations to improve architectural competitions for social housing, fostering more resilient and sustainable solutions aligned with contemporary challenges. The originality lies in the systematic analysis of how resilience concepts can be operationalized from the early design stages.

Suggested Citation

  • Heitor Silva & Clara Rodrigues & Hugo Farias & Felipe Silva & Maria Silva, 2025. "Resilience in Social Housing Projects from Architecture Competitions in Portugal and Brazil (2013–2023): Evaluating Flexibility, Environmental Adequacy, and Comfort," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-21, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:12:p:5559-:d:1680708
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pinar Mert Cuce & Erdem Cuce & Mattheos Santamouris, 2025. "Towards Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Cities: Mitigating Urban Heat Islands Through Green Infrastructure," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-23, February.
    2. Jerry L. Holechek & Hatim M. E. Geli & Mohammed N. Sawalhah & Raul Valdez, 2022. "A Global Assessment: Can Renewable Energy Replace Fossil Fuels by 2050?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-22, April.
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