The Evolution of Urban Spatial Structure in Brasília: Focusing on the Role of Urban Development Policies

Cayo Costa and Sugie Lee
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Cayo Costa: Department of Urban Planning and Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Korea
Sugie Lee: Department of Urban Planning and Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Korea

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 2, 1-21

Abstract: Many cities evolve over time, but some are designed from scratch. Brasília is presented as a unique case on urban planning for having been built from figuratively nothing, based on a design concept that was the brainchild of Brazilian urbanist Lucio Costa. The present study aimed to analyze the interrelation between urban planning and spatial structure change over time to understand the role of urban development policies on the spatial organization of Brasília. The study was conducted based on three interrelated aspects: (1) The intentions of the plans, (2) territorial governance, and (3) external conditions. The results showed that the circumstances of territory occupation—characterized by a polycentric development system with dispersed satellite cities economically dependent on Brasília—have been gradually replaced by strategic development policies, mainly influenced by social and political driving forces. Accordingly, this research suggests a reconsideration of the scale of development instrumentations based on a better understanding of the metropolitan area of Brasília as a unique structure by strengthening its interrelations and seeking better coordination of interests and adaptability of governance processes.

Keywords: urban development policy; urban form; spatial inequality; spatial structure; Brasília (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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