The Rocinha Favela as a Paradigmatic Case Study of Informal Settlements in Large Cities: Current Situation and Past Slum-Upgrading Programmes

Located between two of the wealthiest neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro, on a surface of less than 2 km2, the Rocinha favela is considered the largest single slum in Brazil, with an unofficial population between 150,000 and 200,000 inhabitants. Its privileged position, dimension and characteristics, compared to the other circa 1000 favelas of Rio, make Rocinha a paradigmatic case of the socio-economic and environmental contradictions of the Brazilian mega-city, but a significant case study for any slum-upgrading programme. The Brazilian experience with slums upgrading is globally recognized, but it is still fragmented and needs to be improved. An overview of the main slum-upgrading policies and programmes carried out in Rio shows that the lack of appropriate participatory programmes and systemic approaches can hinder successful solutions.