VERTICALIZATION AND ITS URBAN CHALLENGES IN BRAZIL: A SOCIOLOGICAL VIEW

Introduction

The discussion about skyscrapers in Brazil is part of a complex urban context, characterized by an intense debate about the relationship between verticalization, urbanism and quality of life. Skyscrapers, which were once celebrated as icons of modernity and progress, have come to be viewed with skepticism and even aversion. This phenomenon, which has become more pronounced in recent decades, raises fundamental sociological questions about how we perceive and experience the city. Analyzing this dynamic leads us to investigate not only the aesthetics and functionality of these buildings, but also the cultural and social narratives that shape our opinions about them.

The Paradigm Shift in the 1970s

From the 1970s onwards, Brazil witnessed a significant transformation in the perception of skyscrapers. While they were previously considered symbols of progress and innovation, they began to be associated with an urban model that emphasizes disconnection and excessive verticalization. This rupture reveals a sociocultural paradox: while in some regions skyscrapers continue to be admired, in others, such as in large Brazilian cities, they generate mixed reactions, sometimes of fascination, sometimes of repulsion.

This duality in the reception of skyscrapers refers to a deeper critique of the way architecture interacts with urban life. What was once seen as an aesthetic and functional achievement is now challenged by a perspective that emphasizes the need for integration with the surroundings. Popular dissatisfaction with isolated skyscrapers, which do not interact with the urban fabric, reflects an urban culture that yearns for spaces that promote coexistence and social interaction.

The Case of Balneário Camboriú: A Study of Contrasts

Balneário Camboriú presents itself as an emblematic example in this discussion. Despite being one of the smallest Brazilian municipalities in terms of area, the city is home to a dense concentration of skyscrapers, especially along the coast. This phenomenon is often criticized, but it is also a response to housing and tourism demand. The presence of skyscrapers in Balneário Camboriú, although criticized for their aesthetics and visual impact, reveals an inherent complexity in urban planning.

Criticism of skyscrapers in the city is not limited to their appearance, but also touches on the issue of urban identity. Many buildings reflect foreign influences, far from an architectural style that can be considered genuinely Brazilian. This perception raises the question of what would be more beneficial for a city: the adoption of contemporary architecture that incorporates local elements, or the creation of buildings that connect more effectively with commerce and public spaces.

Observations made in Jo?o Pessoa, where some areas resemble Barra da Tijuca, reveal that the separation between buildings and local commerce harms urban dynamics. Isolated buildings, with no activities on the ground floor, promote a distance that weakens the connection between residents and the city. The need to rethink the relationship between skyscrapers and the urban environment is more urgent than ever.

Skyscrapers and the Question of Status

In Brazil, the association between architecture, status and security is an issue that permeates the way skyscrapers are designed and occupied. Buildings that prioritize security and social status often sacrifice urban integration. Local legislation, in turn, often imposes restrictions that limit construction potential, resulting in skyscrapers that occupy vast areas without the desired connection with the city. The panorama that reveals itself when walking through cities like S?o Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre is of tall buildings that isolate themselves, occupying almost all the available space and generating a feeling of disconnection.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the reality was different. The construction potential was greater and allowed for greater vertical density. Lots of land measuring one thousand square meters could house up to 10 thousand meters of built area, while today, in cities like Porto Alegre, the maximum coefficient is only 1.6. This change in construction potential reflects an evolution in urban policies, but also raises questions about the future of verticalization in large Brazilian cities.

Density and its Paradoxes

The paradox surrounding urban density is evident: while many criticize skyscrapers and verticalization, the demand for urban spaces that promote social interactions and quality experiences continues to grow. In S?o Paulo, the popularity of rooftops, with bars and restaurants offering panoramic views, exemplifies a new way of relating to verticality. Urban space, when occupied creatively, can promote a new relationship between people and buildings.

When reflecting on the experiences acquired in densely verticalized cities such as Tokyo, Seoul and Singapore, one realizes that the transformation of old buildings into small apartments is a practice that multiplies population density in central areas. This practice, although different from the Brazilian reality, raises questions about the use of urban space and the construction of more integrated communities.

Cities such as London and Toronto have adopted an approach to intelligent verticalization, where tall buildings are designed with bases that accommodate stores, offices and residences. Vancouver, for example, is a model that Brazil could follow, since its legislation encourages the construction of skyscrapers with large bases, allowing for mixed use of space and promoting greater urban integration.

Urban Planning and Integration

A comparison between urban practices in countries such as the United Kingdom and Brazil reveals the importance of harmonious integration between the new and the old. In London, skyscrapers are built in harmony with historic buildings, preserving the city's identity. The respect for the view of S?o Paulo Cathedral by the Raul Build building is an example of how urban planning can be carried out in a way that maintains the visual character of the city.

In Brazil, some initiatives are already pointing to a positive change, such as the Santa Cruz Building in Porto Alegre, which adopts the concept of staggering to create a smooth transition between the street and the building. The Universe Life Building in Curitiba is another successful example of integrating commerce and housing in a central location. These best practices demonstrate that it is possible to build skyscrapers that respect and promote urban living.

Resistance to verticalization is often based on prejudices or outdated views of urban planning. Cities like Paris, which recently approved the construction of new skyscrapers, prove that verticalization can be a viable solution to urban challenges, as long as it is planned with a focus on quality of life.

The Importance of the Ground Floor

An aspect that is often overlooked in discussions about skyscrapers is the importance of the ground floor. This area, which is often surrounded by fences and walls, lacks life and social interaction. For decades, urban planning prioritized models that segregated space, such as the Brasília model, where neighborhoods were separated by function, resulting in an urbanization pattern that favored the excessive use of automobiles. This model, which failed to promote coexistence, contributed to increased traffic and pollution.

However, with S?o Paulo's new master plan, there is an incentive to occupy the ground floor with commerce and activities that promote urban living. The creation of active facades that connect with the street is an important strategy for revitalizing urban space. Renowned architect Mies Van Der Rohe emphasized the importance of details, and this maxim applies to the construction of facades that promote interaction.

Many oppose the construction of buildings, believing that this will lead to the loss of small businesses and essential services. However, the lack of ground-floor businesses has an adverse effect, encouraging car use and exacerbating problems such as traffic and pollution. This limiting view ignores the reality that living in vibrant urban spaces benefits both residents and businesses.

Commerce and Urban Valuation

Thinking exclusively about the financial value of properties, without considering urban quality, is a mistake. The most valued areas in S?o Paulo are those with active commerce and social life, such as Mateus Grou and Pinheiros streets. The presence of cafes, restaurants and shops transforms these spaces into attractive places where people can meet and interact.

An active fa?ade promotes safety and vitality on the streets, creating environments where people feel comfortable walking and interacting. Café Perseu, located in the Santos Augusta Building, is an example of how an active fa?ade can transform an urban space. The welcoming environment, without walls or fences, invites not only the café’s customers, but any passerby to stop and enjoy the space.

On the other hand, places that lack commercial activity, such as the Vila Nova Concei??o neighborhood, tend to be less attractive and more prone to insecurity. The lack of commerce and social interaction results in a city with less life, which raises the question: how can verticalization contribute to strengthening commerce and urban revitalization?

Conclusion

The debate on skyscrapers and verticalization in Brazil is multifaceted and complex, involving issues of urban planning, culture, identity and quality of life. The perception of skyscrapers has undergone a significant transformation, reflecting changes in urban dynamics and social aspirations. The challenge now is to find a balance between verticalization and the promotion of a more integrated city, where skyscrapers and commerce complement each other to create vibrant and inviting spaces.

The search for urban solutions that favor coexistence and social interaction is more urgent than ever. It is necessary to rethink the relationship between skyscrapers and urban space, considering the importance of integration, active commerce and community life. Only then will we be able to build cities that not only house tall buildings, but are also truly inhabited and lived in by their residents.