Um equipamento social para a cidade: da utopia ao projeto

Abstract

Although SESC (Serviço Social do Comércio) was initially characterized as an institution which provided health care services in Brazil, it went through several transformations over the years, having considerably increased its areas of intervention, mainly in the social and cultural fields. Nowadays, SESC primarily aims to act as a relevant agent in making education, culture, health and leisure accessible to a progressively broader audience. With a growing presence in Brazilian cities, mainly in São Paulo, and due to its strong institutional image, this entity is considered a reference in many aspects. As an exercise, the dissertation Um Equipamento Social para a Cidade: da utopia ao projeto (A social equipment for the city: from utopia to project), presents a reflection on the birth and development of SESC, the ideals and principles which lead its action and also about the architecture which the institution has been promoting over the years. Lastly, a practical interpretation of the theme is proposed, through the elaboration of an academic project. It is, therefore, presented an extensive descriptive memory where several themes motivated by the creative process are explored.