The Square in Carioca Suburbs

Form, use, appropiation and influence on urban activation

Abstract

This work analyzes relationships between the urban quality standards of the Housing Complexes of the Retirement and Pension Institutes (IAPs) and the housing complexes from the housing policy of the Minha Casa Minha Vida (PMCMV), which are decisive for the enrichment of social, cultural and services in suburban neighborhoods, with the public space designated as a square as one of the generators of this quality. Transformation of the square from an almost sporting equipment to a place for all time culture and leisure is studied to limit the underutilization of this category of free building space if its potential uses and functional, environmental and aesthetic attributes are not fully explored. The aim is to draw a comparison with the existing situation in housing complexes, regarding their isolation from the urban fabric and how it affects the quality and use of public and private spaces in the listed housing complexes.