The Reviver Grammar: transforming the historic center of São Luís through social housing

A novel approach using Shape Grammars demonstrates potential for the adaptive reuse of historic Sobrado buildings in São Luís, Brazil, into multi-family social housing. The proposed grammar provides a systematic framework to generate layout solutions that accommodate studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments while preserving structural integrity and maximizing natural daylighting through strategic placement of windows and balconies. This methodology offers a scalable solution for repurposing historic buildings, addressing urban density challenges in heritage-rich areas without compromising architectural authenticity.

Paulino, D. M. S., Knapp, C. J., Ligler, H., & Napolitano, R. (2023). The Reviver Grammar: transforming the historic center of São Luís through social housing. Blucher Design Proceedings, 347–358. https://doi.org/10.5151/sigradi2022-sigradi2022_94