The Barracão - Community shed
A living space for the entire community, a meeting point.
About
The project developed through exchanges, dynamics, and workshops held during the first journey of the reFloresta Movement. On our last day in Atodi, the participants joined local leaders and residents to reflect on actions and future visions that would benefit the community. Thus, the Atodi Shed restoration project emerged.
The shed is considered the heart of the village, vital to the artistic, cultural, social, and political development of its residents. When we heard testimonies about the space's condition, a lack of connection was expressed, as it no longer reflected the village. Due to its state, the facility was dilapidated and precarious, presenting a weakened environment that reflected on those who needed it most.
The idea of restoring the shed is between physical and spiritual functions, in the sense that it is necessary to convey the cultural characteristics of Atodi, but also to be useful and durable, a place where new uses can be explored, in addition to a shed for events, why not an Atodi cultural center?
We understand this restoration not only as something tangible, a shed and its physical space, but also as a way of rescuing culture and a sense of community in the village, where through this strong foundation of unity, we can achieve new dreams for Atodi.
Architectural project
And need program
The central concept focuses on reclaiming a unique identity through the shape of the roofs, a characteristic notably observed in some indigenous communities, including Atodi. To reflect this, the existing roof was divided into three slopes, maintaining a large central circulation area. The existing structure served as a base, with the overall height of the shed increased to approximately 6 meters. Walls marked for removal are to be reconstructed using openwork ceramic or wood elements.
All decisions and proposals were developed in collaboration with the community, based on a needs assessment conducted through meetings. The project aims to unify the space into an open area capable of accommodating various activities and large events. This includes a central common area of about 400 m², connected to integrated spaces such as a canteen/bar to serve visitors both inside and outside the shed, as well as a stage for cultural activities like carimbó performances. Peripheral areas feature wooden benches, and two restrooms with external support benches are located near the stage.
To benefit the community and preserve the existing biointeractions, two water treatment and sanitation systems were incorporated. The Banana Circle is an ecological system designed to treat soft wastewater (from sinks, showers, and washing machines), commonly used in rural or permaculture settings, and will treat wastewater from the canteen/bar. Additionally, a Biodigester Septic Tank system was installed as a sustainable solution for sanitary wastewater (toilet waste). This system uses three connected tanks where anaerobic bacteria break down organic matter, transforming waste into liquid biofertilizer.
Throughout the design process, the team acted as facilitators for the community, making many decisions based on local techniques and materials. This approach ensured the shed developed its own identity, a core premise maintained throughout the project.
Fundraising
The feeling of returning “home” after a week in Atodi was very meaningful because we had a huge sense of urgency, we had the idea, the project to be developed, and also how to finance the costs of this project, which became the movement's priority at the time.
Thus, various sources were used to raise funds and launch the project, including donations from movement sponsors and raffles. Martin (one of the founders of the reFloresta Movement) always comments that the reFloresta Movement is about how we tell this story, how we motivate others through words and actions to support the causes we champion. The communications team was responsible for telling this story and showcasing the project, discussing the transformation that supporting this major initiative could bring, and this was essential to raising the necessary funds to launch the project.
Project leadership
And remote work
The shed’s design process began with a collaborative workshop, involving members from the initial workshop and Atodi community members. The group was formed based on interest and architectural knowledge. Neske, part of the reFloresta Movement, led the architectural design and technical representations, supported by coordinators Laura, Rodrigo, and Martin, who also managed communication between the design team and Atodi village.
In Atodi, local leaders— Cacique Dirleide, Nilson, Kleny, and Almir—oversaw construction and project execution. The current project team includes Julia Brasilino, Gabriela, Rosa, Caio, Maria, Messias, and Nai, who manage the ongoing phase. Though some parts are unfinished, the new shed already supports community activities.
Communication with Atodi posed challenges. While in the village, discussions took place through workshops and debates; after leaving, contact was limited to weekly online meetings. Despite internet access difficulties, these meetings allowed for essential coordination.
The discussions focused on community visions and expectations for the space. Initially, some desired architecture resembling religious buildings rather than reflecting Atodi’s rich vernacular style. This was addressed carefully, emphasizing the value of local traditions over urban models disconnected from the village context.
These conversations reinforced the importance of honoring Atodi’s cultural heritage and natural surroundings, framing the shed’s restoration not just as infrastructure improvement, but as a way to strengthen the community’s identity and connection to their roots.
The first project proposal was presented in person during a meeting led by Martin and Rodrigo, where the community chose one of the options. Construction then commenced based on that decision.
Where are we now
And next steps
The Barracão is in the final stages of completion. After the roof has been partially installed—with only one of the three roofs left to be implemented—the space has already hosted various cultural and educational events such as documentation drives, vaccination campaigns, classrooms, parties, and movie screenings, with potential for much more.
Revised during the Future Workshop of the 6th reFloresta Journey, the project now enters the Barracão’s finalization phase.
The infrastructure is nearly finished, but some internal issues remain, including furniture, sanitary fixtures, service and support equipment, as well as finishes like perforated panels, benches, painting, and all the details this space deserves.
The project was divided into three stages:
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Remove the compromised structure and build the roof (partially completed)
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Bathrooms, basic sanitation, and hydraulic infrastructure
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Renovation of the floor, walls, part of the roof, counter, and finishes
The current mission is to raise the necessary funds to continue the work. Become a contributor and help make this dream a reality!
