As architectural theory undergoes a process of review and updating, there is a rejection of prevailing binary distinctions found both in common perception and in architectural education. Traditional dichotomies such as center versus periphery, the 'formal' versus 'informal' city, and design as a rigid technique versus construction as improvisation have been persistent architectural themes, with a history of ongoing debates. Despite the dominance of global northern perspectives on what constitutes good architecture or how it should be approached, reality consistently reveals itself to be more intricate, diverse, and multidimensional.
In Brazil, the favela serves as an illustrative example of this phenomenon. Beyond considerations of urban organization, encompassing aspects like street layout, building subdivision, and construction methods that involve both material choices and the challenges of implementing structures on uneven terrain, these areas exhibit distinctive features. Notably, using slabs in construction introduces flexibility in building norms, fostering unconventional relationships with the city. These characteristics challenge conventional architectural standards and provide opportunities to reconsider the very principles underlying architectural 'best practices.'
