In Rio de Janeiro public entrance areas disappeared behind railings out of fear of crime

Authors

  • Katja Friedrich

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7480/projectbaikal.36.140

Keywords:

urban segregation, urban atmosphere, perimeter fencing

Abstract

The need for safety leads to an increasing fencing of entrance areas and to a structural spatial segregation in Rio de Janeiro. Today’s passerby moves along high grids instead of walking on lavishly planted ways along noble entrance areas. In the scale of urban development the stronger variant of spatial demarcation is taking place. Gated communities arise as a total spatial exclusion, in a safe distance to existing favelas and disposing of abundant safety equipment.

Precisely because the need for safety is important in dwelling, both trends are problematic from the urban perspective. The increasing fencing and demarcating destroys pleasant urban atmospheres and fosters the spreading of mono-functional resp. mono-social areas. However, trust and a peaceful togetherness are required for a socially and functionally mixed and spatially diversified public space. But these conditions can only be realised in the context of the entire society.

How to Cite

Friedrich, K. (2013). In Rio de Janeiro public entrance areas disappeared behind railings out of fear of crime. Project Baikal, 10(36), 110–118. https://doi.org/10.7480/projectbaikal.36.140

Published

2013-05-27

Issue

Section

Articles

Author Biography

Katja Friedrich

architect, Doctor of Engineering (Dresden)