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The Urban Transformation Aims to Reorganize Marquês de Sapucaí with Cultural and Structural Works that Redefine the Historical Region of Little Africa
A major urban intervention was presented by the City Hall of Rio de Janeiro, thus reigniting attention on the historic region of Praça Onze.
The official announcement took place on November 20, 2023, during the Black Awareness Day, when Mayor Eduardo Paes (PSD) revealed the Praça Onze Maravilha project at the Estácio de Sá courtyard, as stated by the municipal government.
The proposal includes the demolition of the Viaduto 31 de Março, created in the 1960s, and transforms the area next to the Sambadrome into a new esplanade called Boulevard do Samba.
The project was designed by architect Rodrigo Azevedo, according to the material presented.
Structural Works Reveal Intention to Rebuild Urban Dynamics
The presentation highlighted that the plan shares similarities with Porto Maravilha, which gained momentum after the Perimetral’s demolition.
Thus, the new set of works was unveiled during the event, which was attended by Vice Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere (PSD).
He was introduced as a potential political successor to Paes for 2026, as stated in the official announcement.
The technical teams reported that the region, once considered the cradle of samba, has suffered depopulation and degradation over the decades, as emphasized by Cavaliere.
Therefore, the project includes a tunnel to maintain vehicle flow, as well as creating a large esplanade with housing and community spaces.
Additionally, the plan foresees R$ 1.75 billion in investments, through concessions and Public-Private Partnerships, utilizing instruments such as building potential and onerous grant.
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Cultural Facilities Expand the Historical Reach of Little Africa
Just a few steps from Sapucaí, the Terreirão do Samba will be expanded and will therefore receive the Library of Knowledge, designed by architect Francis Kéré.
Kéré won the 2022 Pritzker Prize, as highlighted by the city hall during the presentation.
The expectation is that the new cultural space will achieve a symbolic stature similar to that of the Museum of Tomorrow, strengthening the historical identity of the region.
Official studies estimate 40,000 new housing units, along with more than 100,000 new residents in the next 20 years, according to data released at the event.
Attached Projects Reinforce the Urban and Cultural Character of the New Region
During the announcement, details of the Centro Cultura Rio-África were also presented, strengthening the historical connection between culture and territory.
Additionally, the municipal government showcased the Port Park, designed as a large island built on stilts in the Guanabara Bay.
The park will be positioned in front of Praça Mauá, increasing integration with the port area.
According to Paes, the announcement made on Black Awareness Day reinforces the city’s commitment to its cultural memory.
Thus, the mayor declared: “We have a responsibility to live up to the legacy of a city that sings and tells its stories.”
Urban Planning Defines the Strategy for the Coming Years
Currently, the city hall focuses on reorganizing the region based on the technical criteria presented at the event.
Although the detailed schedule has yet to be disclosed, the management emphasizes that all works will follow a rigorous plan and continuous oversight.
This care aims to prevent common structural problems in previous urban interventions and to ensure that the region receives investments in a balanced and transparent manner.
The Transformation in the Urban Context of Rio
The Praça Onze Maravilha project follows the trend of major revitalizations capable of redefining the dynamics of historic areas of Rio.
Just as Porto Maravilha remodeled the port area, the current initiative seeks to bring closer economic development, culture, and social memory.
Official forecasts reinforce that the revitalization should strengthen circulation, expand housing, and enhance the cultural identity of samba.
What Does the Future Hold for Praça Onze?
Urbanism experts assess that the plan could reorganize the entire cultural and traffic structure of the region.
However, the effectiveness of the project will depend on efficient management, total transparency, and careful execution, as previous experiences demonstrate.
Meanwhile, the expectation created by the announcement indicates that Rio will need to balance memory, mobility, and urban expansion.
The goal is to ensure that the revitalization of Praça Onze generates lasting results for the population.
What should be the priority for Rio in this process: to speed up works to quickly transform the region or to concentrate efforts on a more cautious and sustainable execution, preserving the cultural heritage of the city?
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