I’m going to walk: the principle of walkability is an urgent solution for the rebirth of the Center of Rio |

Rio should adopt the urban principle of walkability, that is, in just 15 minutes, people would access all the services available to them on foot, including the home-work route, through the metro, VLT, BRT and bus stations. In Brazilian territory, this reality may not be so far away, since a similar proposal has the potential to come to fruition for Cariocas in the urban center of Rio de Janeiro. The study ‘Masterplan Centro do Rio: a vision of the future’, commissioned by BNDES and the City of Rio, points out ways for Rio residents to lead a life contemplated by urbanity. At least when it comes to mobility and urban ambiance.

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Total abandonment for socioeconomic reasons and over-infrastructure are striking features of the city’s Central Zone, in addition to the strong formation of micro-centers, such as Lapa and the Praça XV regions and the Port Region of Olympic Boulevard. In fact, the neighborhood culture present in the behavior of Rio’s residents is a factor that keeps the population away from the desire to live in this area, marked in the Rio imagination only by its marketing aspect. One way to arouse interest in occupying the Center is to offer attractions for the entertainment industry. Small events, shows, gastronomy, including investing in the revitalization of traditional bars and restaurants, theaters and cinemas are important points in the process of occupying the Center. The intention with initiatives like this is to attract the younger part of the population, who are entering the job market.

When discussing new attractive facilities for the Center of Rio, it is also essential to address the environmental issue and afforestation, squares and green areas, as this is what creates favorable conditions for living with dignity, coherence and tranquility. All these factors are the beginnings of revitalization.

On paper, one might say, the idea is perfect. But what about in practice? What is really missing for the Central Zone to be this modernized space? Well, the answer is simple: adequate, truly participatory urban planning, counting on the induction of sustainable real estate development, to finally transform this area of ​​Rio into a great opportunity for success.

Cooperation between public and private policy is vital, always with the direct participation of the population, without forgetting that a solution for this revitalization is, in fact, in the medium and long term. But to be successful on this journey, it is necessary to start in the very short term, now, now!

Offering a good quality of life in a region like the Center, which has public services and, above all, transport available, people from Rio will want to live in the Center. Oh, and walking. I’m going to walk… In Rio!

Sydney Menezes

Architect, urban planner and president of the Council of Architecture and Urbanism of Rio de Janeiro (CAU/RJ)