Incubating Sao Paulo
Teaching a Brazilian metropolis how to live with water
figure 1. The bad reputation of water in Brazil; pollution, floods, extreme rainfall and draught. Sources: see references.
São Paulo has been developed along the rivers Pinheiros and Tietê and they have become an integrated part of the city structure. However, the water has received a bad reputation due to the annual floods, the extreme pollution and the lack of drinking sources. The city has turned it’s back towards the rivers and their potential is not being used. In order to counter future problems, São Paulo need to be thought how to deal with water problems, in case of both floods and the extreme rainfall events. By creating a role model area that will be able to counter these problems, an example will be set; how to live with water in the city of São Paulo.
The redevelopment of the former GEAGESP area will give an opportunity for this area to function as an incubator for similar transformations along the rivers of the city. That is why next to the drastic physical interventions such as the construction of a new boulevard and the development of new skyscrapers, the design also contains a framework how to handle the rainwater on a small scale and some larger interventions, as wetlands, in order to deal with floods. All the interventions combined in the design will offer a liveable environment where the benefits of having of water in a city are visible and which will show the value and possibilities of it.
Incubating Sao Paulo
Teaching a Brazilian metropolis how to live with water
figure 2. Creating the right climate for new waterfront development in SĂŁo Paulo, like growth in a petri dish. Image by Author.
1312731
Pim Monsma
4079671
Liselotte Hoogewerf
4164784
Emilie Buist
4167260
Marrit Terpstra
4477707 Sahil Kanekar AR0027 Smart Infrastructure and Mobility Faculty of Architecture and Built Environment TUDelft 2016
Colophon
Incubating Sao Paulo Teaching a Brazilian metropolis how to live with water
A portfolio from the group “Incubating Sao Paulo� produced as a result to the course AR0027 Smart Infrastructure and Mobility MSc2 Urbanism TUDelft, coordinated by Professor Arjan van Timmeren and teachers Denise Piccinini, Roberto Rocco and Taneha K. Bacchin. This portfolio was created using Adobe InDesign, Adove Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD on a Dell Studio Computer. Typed in Univers LT Std light, roman and bold Three copies Printed at TUDelft
1312731 Pim Monsma 4079671 Liselotte Hoogewerf 4164784 Emilie Buist 4167260 Marrit Terpstra 4477707 Sahil Kanekar Professor Arjan van Timmeren Phd MSc Chair of Environmental Technology & Design Ir. Denise Piccinini, Lecturer Landscape Architecture Dr. ir. Taneha Kuzniecow Bacchin, Researcher Urban Design Theory & Methods/ Environmental Technology & Design Dr. ir. Roberto Rocco, Assistant Professor Spatial Planning & Strategy MSc2 Urbanism AR0027 Smart Infrastructure and Mobility Faculty of Architecture and Built Environment TUDelft 2016
Abstract
Sao Paulo metropolitan area, host to around 20 million inhabitants, an economic capital of Brazil, a fast growing city with uncontrolled dynamics is a potential ground for a disastrous unplanned urban growth or even a very sustainable city development. If one looks at the past of the city, it is very much infrastructure oriented based on car traffic and is in abundance of water due to two major rivers running along it and numerous tributaries present within the city fabric. However, Sao Paulo faces issues like mobility problems, traffic congestions, long travel hours, flooding of rivers and damage to property and lives due to flooding, pollution of water and drought as well during dry periods. All these pointers indicate lack of consideration of all elements while planning for the city. The project focuses on this very issue of how to integrate elements like river, streams, mobility, urban development, flooding and pollution in the planning process. The study initiates with the ideas of environmental, social, economic and physical integration. Later the analysis focuses more on the water behaviour from the runoff as well as from the river. Based on this a water strategy is developed which frames the future development of potential sites, displaying an incubator effect. CEAGASP being an area which will be move out of the city, in taken as a case to be applied of this water strategy based urban design. The results of this urban design showcase its effects not only in the new living environment with water but also displays the repercussions on the mobility and economic front.
Introduction
Sao Paulo is known as the economic capital of Brazil. Nowadays, the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo hosts more than 20 million inhabitants. This is in striking contrast with the city of one hundred years ago, when it was home to a mere 240 000 inhabitants. The exponential growth of the city paired with the uncontrolled dynamics is now revealing its consequences in the form of several urban challenges, in the field of (affordable) housing, service provision, mobility and pollution. In terms of water management the city is coping with floods, pollution and drought. The dense urban landscape does not leave space to accommodate the water after extreme rainfall events. Developments that seemed innovative in the past, such as the canalisation of the river Pinheiros and Tiete, are now merely acting its reverse effects. Another pressure is the future climate change, this imposes an increase of extreme precipitation. The neighbourhood of Vila Leopoldina is the area of detailed study. The starting point for the design is the prospective movement of the CEAGASP food and flower trade market. This vibrant market is accompanied by storage warehouses and a lot of on and off going traffic. Vila Leopoldina is situated at the confluence of the Pinheiros and Tiete rivers. However, it is separated from the water by a wall, six lanes of highway and a tram system. Only in times of flood the river shows its presence. A situation that has occurred several times over the past years. Another characteristic of the neighbourhood is it’s industrial paved city landscape, causing direct runoff of water in case of rainfall. Apart from a feasible design, the aim is to make an integral design that not only gives practical measures to improve the water management in the area, but also takes into account other urban needs such as spatial equity and mobility as important features for a vibrant neighbourhood. This project focuses on the water and its behaviour in terms of runoff and river flooding and aims on creating an infrastructure which is a natural system to address these water issues. This study starts on the scale of the metropolitan region and will zoom down from city to neighborhood level, all the way to a single plot and even the street profile. It is the multi scalar approach which is explored to be executed at different phases in a strategic way.
Context and Problem Field
São Paulo is the largest agglomeration in South America, located in the Upper Tietê River basin. This basin, includes five interconnected reservoirs providing 11 million people from the city and 19.9 million people from the metropolitan region (XXL) with water. Although the city heart seems to be caught by the two most important rivers of this area, it emerged in the early days along the Rio Tamanduateí. The city expanded towards the southwest, where the most concentrated and diversified part is still located at its roots. When São Paulo started to become the main economic centre of the Brazilian economy, shifting from a mining towards an Agricultural production (coffee), the formation of the manufacturing industry along the rivers was a result (XL). This location was not just convenient because of the transportation of goods by water, but because of its geographical characteristics it had an attractive land price and it was easy place to construct a highway and railways. Water seems to be undervalued ever since. The water resources of the Metropolitan Region were strained by enormous population growth in the second half of the 20th Century, the unplanned land use and rapid industrial development (The World Bank, 2012). These trends have contributed to rising pollution of drinking water reservoirs, growing water scarcity and flood vulnerability. Besides, the climate change and the effects due to deforestation have negative impact on the amount and duration of precipitation.
Cantareira
Cotia
Rio Grande Alto Tietê
Guarapiranga
figure 3. Map of the project location Vila Leopoldina - Sao Paulo. Image by Author.
Context and Problem Field
Heavy rainfall is alternated with long periods of drought. Last mentioned is pressurizing Sao Paulo’s Cantareira water supply system, containing ten per cent of its capacity. Together with the Guarapiranga and Billings systems good for providing the water consumed by 70 per cent of the population (The World Bank, 2012). Also water flooding has become more common as a result of the densification and verticalization of urban settlements, caused by soil deterioration and increased impermeability. Resulting in enormous damages, destroying buildings, killing people and interrupting the circulation. The residents of the informal settlements around the basins are the primary victims, but the economic and social losses has also its impact to the rest of this metropolitan area. In the past 30 years, the services sector has assumed leadership of the city’s economic production, overtaking the historic primacy of the industrial sector. Growth is the most significant in the high-tech field, creating a new logic for industrial localization. The changes in the form of industrial production influences the urban functional systems on different scales. This resulted in opportunities to restructure existing urban areas and led to functional displacement movement of industrial activity from the core to the outer peripheries of the region of Sao Paulo (Meyer, Grosstein & Biderman, 2004). A process that has been driven by public policies focused on industrial decentralization, but also by private agents in search of better economic results. A gradual replacement of these released sites
industry waterstructure road infrastructure train line
figure 4. Map of Sao Paulos water structure, industry and infrastructure. Image by Author.
0
5
15
Context and Problem Field
or buildings makes it possible to retrofit the old industrial districts by introducing new functions matching the needs of a metropolis. The old industrial locations are mainly situated along the railway lines and roads that are accompanied with its historical urban development as a result of urban growth. The locations are due to its previous function located strategically and can offer a solution for the increasing real estate pressure and relieving the mono-central structure of the city. The size and location in the urban area together with the fully equipped infrastructure, meet the requirements for facilitating new housing and introducing new (commercial) centralities. The geomorphological underlayer of the urban landscape define both the location and type of water streams and urbanisation. These layers are not interrelated yet, except from the times of flood. So far, the floods are only intrinsically connected to the process of urbanisation in a negative way (as mentioned before). The redevelopment of the last century industrial areas give a great opportunity to design and develop in a more sustainable way. The layers can strengthen each other and become more adaptive to uncertain events. Of course this is not only limited to these two layers, but will also include the other layers of the spatial system.
incubator effect industry
design area monocentricity
floodable area
0
figure 5. Context and problemfield; flooding area. Image by Author.
5
15
Problem statement
The Ceagasp area has been functioning for many decades as a wholesale for perishable goods. It is an important local employer. In the radius of approximately one kilometer are numerous commercial businesses, specialists, retailers and service companies that are directly associated to Ceagasp. The city government of Sao Paulo has plans to relocate the commercial activities in near future. The activities spread on the area of 6,400,000 square meters will be moved out of the city to the periphery near Rodoanel Mario Covas beltway. The primary reason for the relocation is high amount of traffic associated to Ceagasp, which significantly contributes to city congestion. The fact that Ceagasp is moving out itself affects the real estate values in the area. The property values will increase because of the new avalaible land for development. This puts a lot of pressure on the area and has a potential to develop into the high end residential area, which is most of the time preferred by the developers. This redevelopment will not only include the area of Ceagesp, but also the surrounded areas with related industries, which will probably move as well after the departure of Ceagesp. Moreover, the neighborhood is highly prone to flooding; due to river and rains. When the redevelopment of Ceagesp is not structured with the flooding aspect, there might be chances of increasing the amount of flooding and as a result more damages of properties and lives.
iiii oe oot êT TTi eii
eteêtt
êê
However, the neighborhood, if strategically envisioned, has a potential to create a new centrality which will give an opportunity for new jobs and housing possibilities. The challenge for the project lies in how to direct the development into creating this new mixed use hub which also takes flooding into account. RR
T R
i o
functions CAEGESP moving out
related industries
R
io P in
RR i ieoo i h
o
i ini PPP
r
s
nnh
he
ei ri ro
os
s
redevelopment area
figure 6. Occurring situation after Ceagesp moves out. Image by Author.
Research and Design Aims
Sao Paulo as a city has developed extremely centralized and with lack of integration of different aspects while planning. This has resulted in some environmental problems and spatial segregation. The rivers which run on either side of city are dominated by industrial functions, which make the basin very much impermeable due the industrial nature. The lack of integration of environment, livability, sanitation, infrastructure, economics, etc leads to a highly unsustainable development. This adds in to the flooding and affecting the quality of water not only in river but also the other surface water and ground water. The aim of this research is to explore how a water management strategy can frame a city development not only through environmental perspective but also for its social and economic growth. Environmental integration: To integrate water and its bordering areas in the built environment with the aim to make it accessible for multiple use. The transformation of water streams should contribute to issues of urban drainage, flood protection and water treatment but simultaneously to the development of green public spaces and community facilities. Social integration: To not isolate detached regions from formally structured city but to promote spatial inclusion of these regions by facilitating an increase of access to social and physical infrastructure. Economic integration: To not only bring new opportunities to these dispersed regions but to assess the value of important existing economical structures and enhance these to make them more inclusive to the economy of metropolitan.
new approach
current case
Physical integration : To utilize the physical infrastructural network as a backbone for economic growth, environmental preservation and social development. Future investments in infrastructure should be aimed at transforming the urban territory into a better living environment.
Environmental integration
Social integration
figure 7. Approaches for the redevelopment of Ceagesp. Image by Author.
Economic integration
Physical integration
Research Questions & Methodology
The main research question of this project if formulated as followed:
Q: How can Vila Leopoldina become a role model for sustainable redevelopment, that both creates a positive water image and connects people? In order to frame the research question and to give the design a specific direction, subquestions are composed , with each one of the main topics.
q 1 : How can we provide a sustainable redevelopment for Vila Leopoldina? Past and present show us that the development of Sao Paulo has been based on its geographical conditions.But instead of designing with the water, expansions always took place along the water. Now that water has become scarce and in extreme weather conditions a threat, it is time to re-invision the relation of the city towards the water streams. An analysis on the existing water streams will provide us the starting point for creating a sustainable urban design for Vila Leopoldina. We use flooding and run-off being the main elements of the framework, in which we approach both the framework and sustainability in relation to time. A sustainable development that meets the needs of current generations without bringing future generations in potential danger and also providing in their needs. This by introducing an existing robust framework for the low dynamic functions, with large flexible space for highly dynamics functions. In this way the area is able to cope better with uncertainty. This low and high dynamic functions are being further defined as a result of our analysis, together with the indication of the water streams.
Research Questions & Methodology
q 2 : How can we connect people of different levels of society? Population growth and the resulting real estate pressure makes our land high valuable. We hypothesise that after the CEASGP moves out, low and middle income classes will, without intervention, be pushed out of the area. Therefore we want to set current regulations and/or guidelines off against the desired situation. We aim for an area that partly facilitates functions that serve all levels of society. Besides an stakeholder analyses to gain insight into the possibilities, we make an indication of the empty plots. Plots, of whom some of them can be transformed into public areas, which will be accessible to everyone. Since the water will play a huge role in these public spaces, as a framework discussed before, the people will in the end be connected through water.
q 3 : How can we improve the image of water? The population of Sao Paulo experienced the last couple of years water as being a threat. Water pollution, water scarcity, inefficient water use and flooding. The water supply itself seems to be adequate, but also in long periods of drought it become problematic. Since we cannot address all of the water related issues, our focus will be on flooding, pollution control and reducing water losses. We will mainly focus on the first and the last, where pollution control is partly a derivative. Through research by design we are going to explore the possibilities to transform the negative image of water by tackling the negative side effects of water pollution, water scarcity and flooding. We come up with site specific implementations, in order to let the water work with its surroundings and vice versa. This, instead of it being seen as an isolated element. We want solutions to be explicitly shown in some parts of the area, so that people not only see water as a given but as an effort. Concluding, by using existing water streams as a framework for redevelopment, facilitating uncertainties and site specific opportunities, we want to make the area of Vila Leopoldina more adaptive to extreme weather conditions. At the same time we enable the water to be re-evaluated by the people. A strategic approach with water management as a framework can address issues not only related to water. Vila Leopoldina will become Sao Paulo’s first water sensitive neighbourhood which showcasing coexistence in terms of living with water.
Referential Theories and Practices
The main driver for design in this project is water. What is shown through references is that this should be tightly integrated into a more holistic approach on design. A first reference is the green-blue multifunctional infrastructure approach (Bacchin et al., 2014). The approach to storm water management is not seen as a sole function of technical solutions, but is part of the urban system, services and utilities. “Robustness is achieved when infrastructure is consolidated, working in synergy with spatial structures, natural geographic features, and socio-economic aspects.� (Ibid, p. 8). In this regard, the Casco method developed by Dirk Sijmons was used as a theoretical framework for design (1991). It separates the land-use by spatial dynamics, with a robust framework for low dynamic functions (nature, forestry, drinking water services) to guarantee minimal performance and using large flexible spaces for highly dynamic functions (agriculture, leisure, urbanization), allowing new program to happen. The framework allows for uncertainty and stresses the fact that water is structuring the landscape. Though this shows that urban storm water management should be very much integrated into the urban system and its functions, certain technical elements and measures served as a toolbox. One of the references used is a manual Storm water management in urban design by Hoyer et al. (2011). It shows possible innovations in sustainable storm water management. Conventional systems are designed for quick storm water runoff and drainage. This paper shows a wider range of interventions, that allow for rainwater use, treatment, detention and infiltration, conveyance and evapotranspiration and retention of the water.
figure 8. Storm water management. Detentiond pond wet/dry. Source: Hoyer et al. (2011).
Referential Theories and Practices
Calculating with water Another toolbox for water adaptation solution that was used is the ‘climate app’. The app gives insight in feasible measures for a project. For a more quantitative approach, the rational method was used for making runoff estimates. It distinguishes several land covers that represent a certain runoff coefficient. The intensity-duration-runoff curve for Sao Paulo was used to calculate the design rainfall for the new design of Vila Leopoldina.
Dynamic Adaptive Policy Pathways Due to the political and economical unstable situation in Brazil a flexible approach is needed in order to redevelop the CEAGESP area of Sao Paulo. The Dynamic Adaptive Policy Pathways (DAPP) can be used to deal with conditions of deep uncertainties within projects with a long lived consequence and a large impact on the society. This way of phasing is combining robust actions, which are insensitive to changing conditions, together with flexible future interventions, which can be easily adapted without major consequences . In the DAPP, phasing can be adapted during the execution of the project, in the way of adding new actions, adjusting paths or diminishing phases according to the future situation. In this way the phasing can be seen as a route to achieve the objectives, however along the way the circumstances can be changed and a new path should be taken. A path can consist of one or more interventions, they can happen at the same time or subsequent to each other. The actions to be taken depend on the financial resources as well as the stakeholders. (Deltares, n.d.)
figure 9. Dynamic Adaptive Policy Pathways Source: Deltares (n.d.)
Relevance and the Ethical Dimension
Politically & Economically Brazil is, like many other countries in South America, a country plagued by corruption. Those in power are easily able to stay at their position. The rich are filling their pockets while the poor are slowly being pushed out of the commercial areas. The municipality is trying to bridge the gap by giving urban developments a master plan in the shape of the PIU. This unique landuse plan steers new developers to create more social housing, improve public mobility and add more public space. The current CEAGESP area is a location where poor and rich meet. The market hall has provided jobs and you find favela’s and informal neighborhoods within eye’s reach. Environmentally The clash of social classes is not the only problem in Vila Leopoldina, the location near the Pinheiros - Tietê crossing put the area in a floodrisk zone, a familiar problem along the whole São Paulo water ring. Leading to extreme flooding once every 5 to 10 years. Causing economic damage and social nuisances. But the threat comes from two sides, the completely paved industrial area can not cope with the rainwater either. This is all put into the water ring until it exceeds it’s capabilities. With the continuous climate change this will only cause more problems in the future. Acceptance Though the water problem of São Paulo doesn’t end there, it’s not only flooding the city needs protection from, draught and pollution are even more threatening. All in all the water in the city has a very bad reputation. Designing with water is getting people to accept the water as an part of their city. Stainability Building a city for the future generations to come means trying to tackle the problems we face now and in the future. However, cities like São Paulo grow so vastly and uncontrolled that controlling the future problems might be an impossible dilemma. The demand for change in the current system is all to clear, but how much change would be enough? A truly sustainable São Paulo would mean clean waters, social equality, and a trifling economy where everyone benefits. Changes that could only be made from the top down, a top that is very corrupt and self-centered. Ethical dilemma A big part of the São Paulo housing stock existed out of informal housing. Ranging in quality from brick houses to paper boxes. The poverty in the city is clearly visible on every street corner. Urbanist often use the argument that investments in the public space are an investment for the public. But with such a large group of people having nothing at all, you wonder if it would be better to invests directly into social care and improvement of cheap social housing. Rather then building new riverside developments that only grand housing to a small group of these individuals. figure 10. Sources: see references.
References
Books:
DEÁK, C. in CARMONA, MARISA & BURGESS, Rod (orgs, 2001) Strategic planning & urban projects / Responses to globalization from 15 cities. Delft: Delft University Press. pp:173-182 (text) & 282-288 (illustrations). SIJMENS, D. 1991. Het Casco-Concept. Een Benaderingswijze voor de Lanschapsplanning (The Casco-Concept. A wise Approach to Landscape Planning). Utrecht: Misistery of LNV.
Journals & Documents:
HOYER, J., DICKHAUT, W., KRONAWITTER, L. & WEBER, B. (2011) Water Sensitive Urban Design: Principles and Inspiration for Sustainable Stormwater Management in the City of the Future - Manual. Berlin: Jovis Verlag GmbH. THE WORLD BANK (2012) Blue water, green city: Integrated Urban Water Management, Case Study Sao Paulo. Washigton, DC; The world bank. SCHINDLER GLOBAL AWARD (2016) Competition Brief; Transforming the urban core: Urban design for coexistence, São Paulo, Brazil. Zürich: Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich
Websites: Deltares (n.d.). Dynamic Adaptive Policy Pathways: supporting decision making under uncertainty using Adaptation Tipping Points and Adaptation Pathways in policy analysis. Retrieved June, 31st, 2016, from: https://www. deltares.nl/en/adaptive-pathways/. Earth Observatory. Water levels still dropping near São Paulo. Retrieved June 2016, from: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=85406 SERTICH, A. N. (2010) Brief Overview of SP’s Urbanization. Retrieved June 2015 from: https://favelissues.com/2010/03/01/brief-overview-of-spsurbanization/ Climate App. Adaptation solutions. Retrieved June 2016, from: http:// climateapp.org Google Maps. Retrieved June 2016, from: https://www.google.nl/maps Images: Used for figures 1 & 10: MEG & RAHUL. (2005) [Slum and dirty river] Retrieved June 26th 2016, from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Slum_ and_dirty_river.jpg. SBS (2014) [Brazil Floods force 6000 to evacuate]. Retrieved June 26th 2016, from: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/ article/2014/06/29/brazil-floods-force-6000-evacuate. HEINE, B. (2010) [Dry River] Retrieved June 26th 2016, from: http://benheine.deviantart.com/art/DryRiver-168406481.
Strategy and Design
Based on the hypothesis and vision for the site, an analysis is done to understand water structure on and around the area. To do so, two sources of water were considered; one as the run off generated from high grounds which conveys water based on the topography through the existing street patterns. Further, understanding flooding pattern of river and which are streets and plots that carry the flood water into the area. On combing the conclusions of both maps few points of intersection are identified which indicate as high risk areas due to water being discharged by the runoff and accumulated due to flooding. Based on this analysis of high grounds, low lands, flood plain, runoff patter and flooding pattern, a water management based strategic approach or framework is developed. This framework acts as the basic guiding factor for the over all development of the area in terms of environmental resilience and living with water.
high risk areas streets carrying river flood water
points of intersection high grounds streets carrying runoff water
lowlands flood plain
floodable streets green areas high grounds low land area figure 11. Water source analysis. Image by Author.
0
1
2
midstream infiltration and conveyance area
upstream maximum infiltration area
downstream infiltration and storage area
green blue axis
wetlands
green areas upstream area midstream area green blue axis streets of intervention
0
figure 12. Water management as strategic approach. Image by Author.
1
2
Aims and Objectives
The inner city of Sao Paulo is filled with a mix of culture and commercial facilities. The aim for our project area is to create a new city core with a similar mixture. Therefore the focus will be on retaining the small businesses in the neighborhood and to transform the existing market hall in a cultural center. With the high mobility of the marginals and future improvements of the public transport system, the area will become a vibrant new city center. At the same time the area will be made more resilient by preventing damages from flooding through a new wetland. A canal constructions, together with spatial re- and detention interventions will control the water flow created by rainfall. By showing people the interventions in the water system they will be made more aware of the water problem and see the positive side of water in the city. Resulting in profits from waterfronts in the city of SĂŁo Paulo, making the incubator vision feasible.
figure 13. Masterplan program. Image by Author.
0
300
Phasing
This complex redevelopment project is phased according to the Dynamic Adaptive Policy Pathways, this makes the development resilient for changes in political, economical or environmental context and makes it possible to start immediately. The government together with the residents and landowners of the upstream neighborhood of vila Leopoldina should make a quick start with small water retention interventions, this can be the implementation of greenery in roundabouts, but also some plantations in street gutters to clean and guide the rainwater. The second phase starts when CEAGESP moves out, after this robust action finished, the redevelopment of this area can start. In phase three different interventions start; the construction of the wetlands in which the government together with the water agencies and the private landowners are involved. The redevelopment of the area around the existing market hall led by the developers and investors. Since the traffic in the area will decrease by the movement of CEAGESP, the main road will narrow down, by decreasing the road to 4 lanes. This stimulates the movement of the remainder industry, which creates the possibility to introduce the new green/ blue boulevard. This all is dependent on the movement of CEAGESP as well as the movement of the remainder industries. By making use of the strong position of the government and the (new) shop owners who will profit from the development of the boulevard a commitment can be made in which the shop owners have to contribute to the development of the boulevard. Assuming the existing industries and car boulevard will move out slowly, the development of the green/ blue commercial boulevard will take several years to be completed. When a new commercial center is developed there will be incentives to improve the existing public transport system or extending the subway line to vila Leopoldina.
figure 14. Adaptive pathway with stakeholders. Image by Author.
Stakeholders
In complex projects such as the redevelopment of CEAGESP an enormous amount of stakeholders are involved. These stakeholders can be categorized into four main categories; governmental, public, private and service & operational stakeholders. The importance of the stakeholders depend on their power and interest in the specific areas and within the interventions. Exceptional for Brazil, the (federal) government will play an important role, as the landowner of the CEAGESP they can have a huge influence in the new zoning plan of this redevelopment. The government proposed a Project of Urban Intervention (PIU) in which they set up some general rules for the (re)development of areas. Although in most of the areas this is just used as an advice, by owning the land the government has a strong position in the redevelopment, in which they can force the developers to built according to this zoning plan. Meanwhile they are not owning the buildings of the industry of CEAGESP. This means the market hall but also the shops in the surrounding are owned by private owners. This gives both the government as the local land and shop owners a strong position in the redevelopment. By making the stakeholders dependence on each other they will have to collaborate in order to achieve their similar goal in which a new commercial center will be created, with (social) housing, offices, cultural/sports functions, recreational and educational functions.
figure 15. Involved stakeholders. Image by Author.
Actions - Vila Leopoldina’s upstream
Inspired by the Casco concept (Sijmons, 1991), through analysis of the rainwater runoff, the area was divided in several plots, with function assigned to it. In the upstream area, which is currently the most green area, the focus will be on maximising infiltration. The hillslope area will be focusing on both infiltration, but also clean and controlled conveyance of water. Several small measures can be implemented on the micro scale, depending what suits that particular spot best. In order to increase infiltration, it is favourable to increase the amount of green space. A way of maximising infiltration is by developing wadi’s, which are more low-lying green areas in which water can be detained. In case the ground is saturated, the water will not runoff but will either infiltrate or evaporate at another point in time. Likewise, green roofs and permeable pavements offer opportunities for reducing peak runoff. Water harvesting is a way to also benefit from the water. By collecting the water in a storage tank next to the house or under the building, the water can be later used. Water quality is of importance for household use, but outside of that one can think of using water for e.g. washing cars. The image shows a roundabout in upstream Vila Leopoldina. The center of the roundabout is currently paved, but could be green. On the right hand side there is a green strip, which could be converted into a wadi.
figure 16. Small neighborhood interventions. Image by Author.
Importance and Effects
The current urban landscape serves as the ideal environment for ultrafast runoff of rainfall that ultimately results in urban flooding. The flooding poses risks on human life, health as well as economic losses. Though this process occurs on basin level, all neighbourhoods contribute to flooding in the city. Therefore it is important to take measures in the whole city. However, Vila Leopoldina can serve as a starting point and an example case for a flood resilient city landscape. This might even spread towards different areas in the city.
Upstream area
Midstream area Lowland area
Maximum infiltration Infiltration/Conveyance Infiltration/storage
Small scale interventions Blue-green boulevard Lowlands
figure 17. Water management interventions by area.
figure 18. Toolbox of interventions. Images by Author.
Actions - Vila Leopoldina Boulevard
The Avenue Dr. Gastão Vidigal is designed for industrial functions, supporting facilities like CEAGESP, the avenue is purely focussing on mobility, which results in sections with up to eight lanes of traffic. To make the Avenue more suitable for cultural and commercial functions, a shift to slow traffic will have to be made. Reducing the amount of lanes to four with room for more green that can be used for water retention and infiltration.
figure 19. Alternative design with blue and green plots.
figure 20. Alternative design with canal and commerical functions. .
figure 21. Current situation of the “boulevard”. Images by Author.
Importance and Effects
Public Transport is a important pillar in the master plan of São Paulo. With the Avenue Dr. Gastão Vidigal reduced to four lanes, Vila Leopoldina will have to rely more on the public transport system. Partly this will be facilitated by the existing tram line, but an extension of the existing metro line will create a direct line between the new center and the existing city center. The extended metro line will follow the curve of the hills and the Pinheiros. And will be created under the new boulevard with metro stations above ground. Not only will this improve connection to Vila Leopoldina, but it will also increase the accessibility of the University. The marginals will be connected to the new street system that is designed to serve the neighborhood, rather then being used as a short cut. Which means that Vila Leopoldina will maintain it’s accessibility with a reduced traffic flow.
figure 22. Future trafic flow. Image by Author.
Actions - Vila Leopoldina wetland park
A new wetland will be created between the marginal and the market hall. This wetland can have different functions in different phases. Currently the water system is fully relaying on the rivers to store water. Which results in constant water fluctuating. Therefore a wetland would currently best suit the need for emergency storage. In the future the river might be more stable as a result of propper water management which allows room for direct connections to the river. From this point on the wetland can start to play a role in purifying the water. Finally a slow traffic connections under the marginals might be possible, connecting wetlands on both sides of the river.
figure 23. Phasing of the wetland. Image by Author.
Importance and Effects
The wetlands will have to be lower then the current ground level of Vila Leopoldina, although excavation is an action that brings high costs, there is so much need for emergency water storage that the costs could be lower then future losses due to water problems. There are different design options that could lower the costs and make the project more feasible, however, to make an area water resilient, you need different levels of protection. The water is allowed in the neighborhood and controlled without causing real damage. During a rainwater event people will see the water rise but it won’t cause them any problems.
figure 24. Design options. Image by Author.
figure 25. Water fluctuation. Image by Author.
Actions - Rules & Regulations
The design for the CEAGESP area and its surrounding is based on the translation of the PIU projected on this specific area. The PIU together with the vision for this neighborhood resulted in the new zoning plan. Because just a part of the area is owned by the government, this zoning plan will not just be used as regulation but also as an advise for the other areas. The area will be redeveloped with mixed used functions, however the area on both sides of the boulevard will have as main function retail and hospitality. The former market hall will remain and will have an educational/cultural function, with sport facilities and recreational places. Both sides of the market hall will also have a mainly commercial function. The other areas will be available for (social) housing, however they also will have an active plinth. First of all there are some general rules for the whole area. In line with our vision every plot should deal with the rainwater within its own plot. In this way all the plots contribute to the overall water problem, in terms of flooding, drought and pollution. Next to that there are some restrictions for parking. The maximum of parking plots is one plot per dwelling or one plot per 70 m2 of non-residential use. In order to deal with the social-equity, every housing development must donate 10% of iets built are to social housing.
figure 26. Implementation PIU on Vila Leopoldina, important streets focussing on public transport. Image by Author.
Importance and Effects
Next to the general rules, there are zoning specific rules. The wetlands, should stay unbuilt public space in order to harvest the water in times of floods. In times of droughts the land can be used for recreation and sports. The market hall will remain the center of the area. This will be a vibrant public space with 24h economy. This consists of educational, cultural, sports and hospitality functions. Although the rest of the area doesn’t have any restrictions according to the height, this area is restricted to the maximum building height of the market hall. Parking facilities around the market hall should not enter from the main street. The boulevard plots should have an open active facade. Mainly retail, commercial, services and hospitality will lodge in this axis, in order to become a new active center. This is in line with the PIU which says, that the area around the public transport stations should be densified. Because of the new constructed boulevard and the 100% built allowance, the owners of the plots along the boulevard should contribute to the investment of the blue/green boulevard of which they will profit. Paring entrance are not allowed at this axis. The other mainly residential areas will be less dense and should have a 75/25% building/open space ratio. Although these areas should focus on housing, the plinths will stay active with commercial/office functions.
figure 27. New zoning plan. Image by Author.
unbuilt public space waterretention / recreation / sports
wetlands
every housing development must donate 10% of its built area to social housing
max. 1 parking plot per dwelling (residential) keep water within the plot
per 70 m2 max. one parking spot (non-residential)
general
figure 28. Redesign for the project area with regulations. Image by Author. market place vibrant public space (24h economy) education / culture / sports / hospitality max. built height = height market hall no parking along axis (boulevard & market)
and therefore co-invest in public area
high density (100% built allowed)
active open facade ground floor retail / commercial / services / hospitality no parking along axis (boulevard & market)
boulevard
plinth strategy active open facade ground floor offices / retail / commercial / services / hospitality 25% of the building plot has to be unbuilt
Actions - Overview
Results - Incubating Vila Leopoldina
“Just like cities as Amsterdam had to learn how to develop themselves, so has São Paulo, they have to learn how to live with water” (Roberto Rocco, 2016). The city of São Paulo grew along the river banks of the Pinheiros and the Tietê but never used the river. The industrial zones along the river became a buffer for flooding, hiding the river from sight. By the development of the Vila Leopoldina incubator we want to show the city of São Paulo how to live with water. A change in urban structure that can be applied along the river on multiple different locations. Like a bacteria the design can spread and multiply, making the city of São Paulo more resilient with each redevelopment. As a result the strong barrier between city and river will be penetrated and the image of water in the city will improve. By controlling the water within the area’s of São Paulo problems like pollution, draught and flooding can be countered effectively. Improving the resilience of the waterfront and spreading the commercial functions along the rivers will lead to a more sustainable city, allowing for growth in the part of the city that need this the most. Creating more equality en opportunities for different classes.
industry
incubator flooding
figure 29. Vila Leopoldina as an incubator, setting the right climate for new waterside development. Image by Author.