Bioclimatic and vernacular design in urban settlements of Brazil

Brazilian regional traditional architectural features are analyzed, especially with regard to the new emerging vernacular of self-built urban settlements. Bioclimatic design is discussed as to its scientific and technical features with respect to the subtropical climate of the city of Campinas in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The main goal of this work is to analyze a specific self-building house phenomenon and its response to climate. From this analysis thermal comfort should be addressed in terms of correct architectural elements. An appropriate new architecture for the urban poor should be based on bioclimatic design principles and the positive elements of the new urban vernacular.