blocos

Blocos is the plural of bloco, a term used in Portuguese to describe several distinct concepts related to the idea of a block or segment. In construction and architecture, um bloco refers to a masonry unit used to build walls and structures. Common types include blocos de concreto (concrete blocks), blocos cerâmicos de alvenaria, and blocos leves like aerated concrete. These blocks are typically hollow or solid and are laid with mortar to form load-bearing or non-load-bearing walls. Their advantages include strength, fire resistance, and versatility in varying wall thicknesses.

In urban and everyday language, bloco can denote a city block or a section of a street grid, referring to a defined parcel of urban space bounded by streets. The term is used in planning, navigation, and real estate to describe a block-sized area.

In Brazilian culture, blocos are organized street groups that participate in Carnival and other celebrations. A bloco typically consists of a percussion-driven ensemble, a theme or repertoire, and a social group that leads the parade through city streets. Blocos range from informal community groups to more organized associations and contribute to local festivity and identity.

Blocos also appear in educational toys as building blocks, known as blocos de construção. These can be made of wood, plastic, or foam and are used to teach spatial reasoning, stacking, and basic construction concepts, often forming towers, walls, and simple structures.

Overall, blocos share the core idea of modular units that combine to create larger, functional forms across construction, urban space, culture, and education.