BRAZIL URBAN DESIGN
a cross cultural townscape study
Starting at the top of Rocinha, by the CMS health clinic, we made our journey downwards from the hills, through the winding streets of the favela. There are said to be around 500 pathways in Rocinha, many of which remain unmapped.
At the top of the hills, the observer is present an incredible view of Rocinha as it slopes down the steep hill slopes of Rio De Janiero. A almost endless mass a buildings compacted into approximately 140 hectares.
The end of the journey. This is where Rocinha stops and the city begins. This distinction of space is obviously marked - a dividing motorway and the emerging prominence of high rise buildings that fill the view ahead. Standing here as the observer, I Reflect. Where the favela was colourful, noisy, hot and active the view ahead seems bleak in comparison - rigid and organised - Where's the fun in that?
Starting at the top of Rocinha, by the CMS health clinic, we made our journey downwards from the hills, through the winding streets of the favela. There are said to be around 500 pathways in Rocinha, many of which remain unmapped.
Rocinha - the 'organic' city
Built on the steep hill sides of Rio de Janeiro, Rocinha is an informal settlement lacking any sense of traditional planning. And yet, Rocinha amazingly works. It is its own self-contained city with the city of Rio, providing everything someone could possible need within it small confines. The effect of the hill side are particularly pronounced on the urban form of Rocinha, providing the favela with its characteristcally tall building often sat on supporting stilts. Though there are a number of main roads in the favela winding down the hillside, many pathways through Rocinha steep, narrow and appear to lead to someones house! The distinction between public and private space is often indistiguishable. Yet it is this in which perhaps the charm of Rocinha lies - that people are free to truly appropriate space. Mix, mingle and socialise all of which are desirable urban design qualities.