Design and autonomy: collective experiences of popular participation in Morro do Papagaio

Abstract

This article investigates the collective organized action of the residents of the Morro do Papagaio slum, located at Belo Horizonte. Urban interventions are carried out by two local groups; Mulheres da Vila Estrela and Favela Bela, in partnership with private sectors, government agencies and supporters in urban spaces of the community. It aims to reflect on these actions starting from the concept of autonomy, considering it exists in conditions in which individuals exercise their citizenship. The study highlights social and historical aspects of these practices on the territory, calling special attention to their potential as means to achieving articulation between individuals, groups and institutions to solve problems. Its purpose is to discuss design critically, as an autonomous and political field, pointing out a perspective of action in contexts of oppression and vulnerability. It’s based on the concept of Arturo Escobar (2016), Elizabeth Tunstall (2013), Paulo Freire (1996), Tony Fry (2010), Ezio Manzini (2017), among other authors in interviews and in a participatory methodological approach The study also aims to draw attention from designers and professionals who develop projects in communities, promoting the development of new paradigms of responsibility, communality and autonomy.

Keywords:
Design; Settlements; Autonomy; Politics; Collective Actions