Immigrowth: Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

Today, immigrowth* is present in any city in the world. It varies based on cultural segregation and is most prominent in a mixed community where different socioeconomic groups co-exist. Cities are most desirable places because of their density and variety of opportunities for children, workers, immigrants and businessmen alike. The undesirable cities are the ones with segregated communities and missing or poor infrastructure such as reliable mass transit, waste management or good quality education..

In the case of Rio de Janeiro, the “successful” urban strategy for immigrowth* can refer to the upward and outward growth of favelas. They are viewed as a disturbance to the city as they consist of unsafe, unstable structures that in some cases have no utilities. At the same time they are essential to the function and economic growth of the city. The favelas occur all over the city wherever the opportunity is found.

I propose a formal architectural typology that follows the same strategy as the original settlements, learning from the shantytowns, but avoiding the downfalls. The master plan would provide the necessary infrastructure with access to easy maintenance, public spaces as well as new integrated housing for any of the new or existing Rio residents. The new infill is a critique of the modern romantic view of the favelas, taking into account future tourists who will want to see how the other half lives.