The influence of architect Lelé on the industrialization of architecture

Abstract

The industrialization of architecture is associated with
the organization, rationalization, series production,
and prefabrication of construction elements. By using
prefabricated elements a work will not necessarily be part of an industrial production process, although the use of these elements can contribute to numerous stages and characteristics of a construction; among them, and one of the most important, rationalization, capable of reducing the waste of materials on a construction site and the generation of debris. However, the construction precision, the shorter execution time, the organized construction site, and the flexibility and extensibility of the building are factors that make industrialization a favorable construction model. An example of this reasoning in Brazil was João da Gama Filgueiras Lima, known as Lelé (1932-2014), whose journey began in the construction of Brasília, with prefabricated reinforced concrete. Through this experience, he realized that lighter and easier transport elements could be the best way to take industrialization to more remote and poor regions that required equipment: urban areas and public facilities. The combination of metallic and reinforced mortar elements enables the architect to develop projects on larger scales with large proportions and in different shapes.