Brazil, Guarulhos
course-v1:ETH+FC-01x+2019_T1 - online.ethz.ch-1fa3d46da62c4c25985c38e830fa6432
Uploaded on 2024-01-25 by Rodrigo Andrade
My name is Rodrigo, and I reside in Guarulhos, one of the largest cities in São Paulo. I live in a neighborhood that lacks urban planning, and as a result, the construction methods of these houses are often executed without much planning, leading to material wastage. This picture was taken by me and showcases my neighbor's house, which is structurally built with concrete and steel, while the walls are made of clay, commonly known here as "tijolo baiano." This construction method is predominant throughout Brazil, utilized from both the opulent mansions of Alphaville to the modest homes in the Paraisópolis favela. Brazil is renowned for exporting commodities, and the construction sector is no exception. We export steel, clay, clinker, and limestone. A significant economic challenge in Brazil is the absence of industries to manufacture these primary materials, so we have an abundance of materials that are often exported to countries like China, where they are processed and then re-imported to Brazil.