Filling Urban Gaps

Abstract: Filling Urban Gaps, is a study on a dense and central area of São Paulo, Brazil which is cut by an elevated highway. Its construction affected the development of the whole area, decreased its value, and affected many people around it. In recent years the debate of transforming the highway in a park, and opening it for pedestrians on weekends boosted the area as a cultural spot. Now the city announced the construction of a park over the Highway, the area became very attractive and will quickly be transformed. The Highway park project, or Parque Minhocao, is very welcome to the city, that in general lack of green areas. Hower this park will not solve the problems that the original structure brought to the site. It is important to plan for the future densification and find the gaps to act in such a complex area. New opportunities and investments will come, and the park must be used as a driver for positive changes. The Thesis explore strategies on how to deal with some local issues, like flooding, overcrowded streets and problematic built landscape, and how to bring solutions that are financially viable for the city. It explores a plan implemented through a long period, and takes advantages of the huge park potential. It aims to ensure that the area, its people and the city as a whole will benefit from the park.