Experimento com resíduos de juçara: design participativo e práticas de correspondências na comunidade do Maracanã – MA

Abstract

Abstract Brazil annually produces more than 221 thousand tons of açaí, of which 161 tons correspond to the residues originating from the pulping of the fruit. Studies related to the use of açaí seed and fiber have been widely developed with the aim of finding use for the surplus material. However, there is a gap with regard to research that seeks the use of these residues in the field of design and that considers the participation of the community in the research processes. In this way, based on what participatory design proposes, the aim of this study was to develop a composite with juçara residues comprising the tacit knowledge of Maracanã residents. Participatory processes were built through correspondence practices, based on attention and shared construction of knowledge, considering the cultural context of the community. As a method, the Material Driven Design (MDD) was used, involving laboratory tests for the analysis of specimens and local prototyping, in the Maracanã neighborhood, integrating specialized and tacit knowledge. The research resulted in the production of small biodegradable vases that slowly decompose and turn into fertilizer for the plants, enhancing the economic sustainability of the community.