Since the issuance of Law 388 of 1997, the rules and regulatory instruments have conditioned the development of urban land, delegating responsibility for the organization of the area to planners, planners urban planners and architects from the planning offices of the cities, to the groups and the regions and the regions. municipal environmental authorities; The POT regulated the possibility of land development based on management by private parties.
These governing instruments and standards determine the roles and responsibilities of the various actors, but they have not been the guarantors of building better cities, as it has depended on good judgment, management , efficiency, effectiveness and ethics of each actor. There are many successful cases, and others, on the other hand, that led to small building projects, with a lack of identity and with public spaces that were left, isolated or isolated, far from consolidating cities better and make better citizens. In short, matters of form outweighed those of substance, and regulatory complexity has led to what is important to control the contingent.
But we have learned. As an architect, I prefer to think that it is possible to contribute with each project to the development of our cities regardless of the level and the level they face.
Together with the managers and promoters, the architects who plan, manage and approve the projects, we can build a fair and better city, with free urban spaces and continuous, where public and private land are connected, giving access to housing and work buildings. They are close to and strengthened by common facilities and services, seeking open and active spaces throughout the hours of the day, prioritizing security and general well-being.
This urban system should have public spaces with trees and gardens, integrating the natural ecosystems of the areas and the landscape of nearby rivers, foothills or forests, taking into account the protected areas, as a basis for the construction of the projects. It is not a new issue, in modern times architects and urban planners designed cities that were able to integrate infrastructure and buildings with the natural landscape, and some of these models have already taken shape. On the other hand, also promote that, in a walk of less than 400 meters, residents can find services, commerce, places for leisure, work and family life, and above all quality parks and places public. As a challenge, the critical view of what has been built so far is presented as an opportunity for all actors to think about the development of our cities.
How can collaboration between city planning offices and environmental authorities improve urban development quality in Brazil, especially in balancing form versus substance in governing instruments?
1. As we discuss the impact of Law 38 of 1997 on Brazilian urban development, how have planners, urban planners, and architects from city planning offices, regional and municipal environmental authorities played their roles in shaping the country’s cities? How have they collaborated to ensure the proper organization of urban areas and the establishment of effective regulatory instruments?
2. How have the governing instruments and standards influenced the quality of cities in Brazil? In what ways have matters of form overshadowed issues of substance, and what lessons can be learned from these experiences?
3. As an architect, you mention the importance of contributing to the development of cities regardless of the level and context they face. How can architects work together with managers and promoters to create a fairer and better city with continuous and free urban spaces?
4. Could you share some examples of successful urban projects or models that integrate infrastructure and buildings with the natural landscape? How can we promote the integration of natural ecosystems, protected areas, and quality public spaces in future urban developments?
5. You mention the challenge of providing a walk of less than 400 meters to residents’ services, commerce, leisure, family life, and work. How can city planners and architects ensure the accessibility and quality of these public spaces for all citizens?
6. Given the critical view presented in the article, what are some steps that all actors in the urban development process can take to improve the way we think about and develop our cities for the future?
