URBAN ESSAYS – CATEGORY 5

The lots and blocks of large dimensions have high relevance in the configuration of large cities, hence the importance of establishing normative urban parameters for their configuration. Although the road network may characterize the urban traces of a city, the block’s dimensions have greater repercussion in the city life, influencing the typology, density, height, mass and rhythm of buildings.

Our purpose aims to create normative parameters that stimulate the configuration of open blocks for public enjoyment, with pedestrian streets promoting social integration and activation of urban life. Rules were created for the establishment of mixed use blocks, balancing the functions and matching them with the infrastructure supply of the surroundings and the availability of public transportation. Functional integration, in form of a hybrid urbanism, promotes the development based on the urban density planned for the growth of job offers and income generation, boosting the economy and shortening the commuting distances, which also contributes to the reduction of Congestion and improved urban mobility, resulting in more quality of life for the population.

The proposed urban planning parameters have as a priority the establishment of “the block as a unit of urban design”, that is, the block planned formally and functionally as a unitary element, with a coherent language within its urban context, in relation with the other planned blocks and configurations of existing city.