The role of the user

architectural collectives and the participatory project

Abstract

This article will discuss how architecture and urbanism collectives, when considering user participation in the design and construction processes, can expand the user’s role, having them as protagonists. It is understood that this approach is an effective alternative to the traditional approach in which the user is just a design component, which, in turn, has not proven to be sufficient and adequate to deal with the complex issues that arise in situations of territorial vulnerability. We will discuss parameters relating to conceptions and approaches regarding the role of the user in the design process. Initially, we will address the role of the user as a component, as established by a modern and European tradition, as opposed to the possibility of the user’s role as a protagonist, identified in the work of architectural collectives. In a second moment, we will delve deeper into the notion of architectural collectives and discuss two case studies: Coletivo Escola Sem Muros (São Paulo – SP) and Coletivo Arquitetas da Periferia (Belo Horizonte – MG).