SEA PAVILION: A PLASTIC RECYCLING AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION COMPLEX
Recycling Center, Plastic, Environmental Education, Modular Design
This Professional Master's Thesis, also structured as a technical report, presents an architectural intervention project for an environmental corridor in Baia Formosa beach. The project includes a waste sorting center and emphasizes a plastic recycling and environmental education center. Additionally, at a conceptual level, it proposes an urban requalification of the corridor connecting the newly proposed structures. By bringing this theme into the realm of architectural practice, the project prioritizes the efficient use of resources, low-impact materials, and resilient construction techniques that align with community needs and interests, countering the prevalent environmentally harmful practices in the construction industry—one of the world's most polluting sectors. In coastal areas, solid waste pollution compromises environmental quality and ecosystems, affecting leisure, housing, and economic activities. Recent studies, such as the 2024 report by Seashepherd Brasil in partnership with the Oceanographic Institute of the University of Sao Paulo, reveal that 100% of Brazilian beaches analyzed are polluted, with 91% of waste consisting of plastics. Baia Formosa, located in Rio Grande do Norte, is one of the most affected, with a high density of plastic waste, underscoring the urgent need for environmental preservation strategies and education on conscious disposal practices. The project also proposes a modular and flexible design, aiming for replication in other coastal cities. The methodological study includes site visits for data collection, meetings with suppliers of wood and recycled plastic materials, and engagement with community agents active in environmental education, recycling, and waste management. The analysis considered physical, environmental, and legal factors, including bioclimatic aspects and local regulations. The research involved a literature review on plastic recycling and ESG practices, along with an analysis of reference projects. The proposal is structured into seven chapters, addressing theoretical frameworks, case studies, the development of a preliminary design, and the design documentation.