Translating ‘Favela’: The Problem of Translation
In the major cities of the world, there is a common urban phenomenon: informal settlements. According to the United Nations agency, UN-Habitat, which uses the English term [...]
What is a favela?
Why We Should Call them Favelas
Rio’s favelas are some of the most written about, scrutinized, and studied low-income communities in the world. Yet in this constant, often well-meaning spotlight, favela [...]
Is a Favela Still a Favela Once It Starts Gentrifying?
CatComm quoted in important piece in The Atlantic Cities. Click to [...]
Brazilian Popular Architecture
Vernacular and indigenous architecture, building solutions that can be found in the favelas as well as elements from modern and contemporary urban [...]
A City Planner Responds: What is a Favela?
by Theresa Williamson, Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning and Executive Director of Catalytic Communities After fourteen years visiting favelas across Rio on a weekly [...]
A Lawyer Responds: What is a Favela?
by Alex Ferreira Magalhães, Professor of Urban and Environmental Law at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro The construction of the concept of a favela, specifically [...]
Favelas as Affordable Housing
The goal? Customized urbanization of each favela, recognizing qualities and engaging [...]