“No shade, tudo é ballroom”: anteprojeto de reabilitação de casarão para uso cultural e habitacional para comunidade LGBTQIA+ no centro histórico de São Luís

Abstract

This study highlights the importance of housing for the preservation of the Historic Center through rehabilitation, which involves construction work aimed at recovering and implementing structural improvements, transforming the subject of study into a mixed-use space. By employing concepts and selected authors to provide a theoretical foundation on the Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings, a preliminary design will be developed for the adaptation of a mansion located at 279 Rio Branco Street for residential and cultural use by the LGBTQIA+ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and others). The project proposal stems from data highlighting the social vulnerability and violence experienced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in Brazil, combined with an analysis of social housing from the perspective of accommodating sexual orientation and gender identity minorities in the Historic Center of São Luís. Field studies allowed for the examination of the growing Ballroom scene and the emergence of new Houses that offer safe supportive spaces. These spaces, through the skills acquired in the balls, facilitate professional integration. This underscores the cultural significance of the Ballroom as a tool for resistance and support, enabling the creation of affirmative spaces and a sense of community. Therefore, the aim of this work is to preserve and democratize spaces in the Historic Center through heritage intervention for new uses that promote social equity.