The winning proposal for the first prize of the Little Africa Competition was developed as part of the Studio Zewde team, led by Sara Zewde. Three key premises were important: making Afro-Brazilian history visible and legible within the urban landscape; strengthening living culture through spaces that affirm and support Black cultural expression; and creating a welcoming environment for descendants and all visitors. The project structures Little Africa by redeveloping Sacadura Cabral Street, envisioned as an Afro-Brazilian memory axis, featuring permeable paving, tree planting, and urban furniture inspired by Black cultural references. The "Living Museum Circuit" connects historical landmarks, cultural spaces, and green corridors, articulating the past with the contemporary city. The design board highlights this strategy by linking the Little Africa territory to historical Atlantic routes and the enduring Black cultural presence in Rio de Janeiro. Along the "From Valongo Wharf to the Sea" axis, the project creates a symbolic and sensory pathway with water features and resting areas. Meanwhile, Largo do Depósito and Praça da Harmonia are conceived as spaces for gathering, culture, and popular manifestations, supported by gardens of Afro-Brazilian species and sustainable solutions for natural drainage and urban vegetation expansion.

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