Controlled environments : the case of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

This study describes and analyzes the changing impact of "security" on the form of cities by exploring two residential settings, Nova Ipanema and Novo Leblon, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. These developments have established a new post-modern version of the European medieval walled cities. The need for safety in the city has caused affluent citizens to react, by supplying themselves with the kind of services that were once the municipality's responsibility. As a result one can see increased subdivision of the urban fabric into virtual miniature cities. These secluded residential pockets are a tentative answer to a pervasive need for security and control, which is significantly disrupting the traditional form of the city. The study concludes that, as local economic problems worsen and government services lessen, increased private-based measures are likely to dominate the urban scene.