Construção com terra e sustentabilidade urbana: percepções de profissionais da Ibero-América

Earthen construction has emerged as a strategic alternative for urban sustainability in Ibero-America, standing out for its use of local materials, low environmental impact, thermal comfort, and the valorization of vernacular knowledge. This study investigated the perceptions of construction profess...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Paschoalin Filho, João Alexandre, Santos, Gustavo Orcilio Vaceli dos, Zapata , Jorge Luis Gallego, Brito, Daniela Belchior
Format: article
Status:Published version
Publication Date:2025
Country:Brasil
Institution:Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)
Repository:Labor & Engenho (Online)
Language:Portuguese
OAI Identifier:oai:ojs.periodicos.sbu.unicamp.br:article/8679697
Online Access:https://periodicos.sbu.unicamp.br/ojs/index.php/labore/article/view/8679697
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Earthen construction
Vernacular architecture
Construção com Terra
Arquitetura vernacular
Arquitetura Vernacular
Construção com terra
Description
Summary:Earthen construction has emerged as a strategic alternative for urban sustainability in Ibero-America, standing out for its use of local materials, low environmental impact, thermal comfort, and the valorization of vernacular knowledge. This study investigated the perceptions of construction professionals from Ibero-American countries to identify the benefits, challenges, and strategies for expanding the use of this technique. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining questionnaires and interviews conducted with members of the Proterra, Terra Brasil, and Protierra Argentina networks, with data analyzed using IRAMUTEQ software. The findings revealed strong recognition of the technique’s advantages, including energy efficiency, reduced carbon footprint, and cultural relevance. However, significant barriers were identified, such as the absence of technical standards, market resistance, social stigma, lack of professional training, and insufficient public policy support. Semantic analysis identified four key thematic axes: environmental impact, use of local materials, health and comfort, and technical sustainability. Concrete proposals include the development of specific technical standards, integration of earthen construction into academic curricula, establishment of experimental labs in universities, implementation of tax incentives and credit lines, and the inclusion of the technique in master plans, housing programs, and public demonstration projects. It is concluded that earthen construction holds strong potential to support more equitable, resilient, and sustainable cities in line with SDG 11.