The city reflects society. But does the city belong to everyone?
Image description: This is a photograph of a modern architectural complex located in an urban setting. On the left side, there is a vertical structure with metal elements and colored panels in green and blue. In the center, there is a walkway connecting two towers. On the right, there is another similar tower, but with a predominantly blue color. Both towers are positioned over an area of land with vegetation. In the background, there are multi-story residential buildings with light-colored façades and regularly spaced windows. The sky is clear and blue, indicating a sunny day.O projeto é composto por 2 elevadores, ligados por uma passarela que une as favelas do Cantagalo e Pavão Pavãozinho. Foto: Celso Brando - Galeria da Arquitetura
Starting from this question, we decided to turn our attention to the elevators of the Pavão-Pavãozinho-Cantagalo Complex - the PPG. Installed in 2010, the elevator was set up near one of the exits of the Cantagalo subway station, in Ipanema, to serve the community. The elevator project aimed to guarantee accessibility for the residents of Cantagalo and Pavão Pavãozinho, but in 2018, it stopped working.
When it was operating, residents could access their homes for free, without having to use the zigzag staircase. It welcomed tourists and neighbors from the asphalt. Trade was booming. Today, most of the businesses have failed and residents depend on alternative transportation to carry their purchases and reach the highest points of the hill.
Image description: The image is a photograph of an industrial setting, possibly a yard or storage area. On the left side, we see two closed metal doors with a red stripe across the top. In front of them are two beige wooden panels, leaning against a turquoise blue wall. The blue wall is stained with red and blue paint marks. On the right, there is another metal door similar to the first two, but with a blue stripe across the top. In the background, we see a blue metal structure, likely scaffolding or a staircase.Elevadores quebrados desde 2018. Foto: Renato Moura/Voz das Comunidades
Urban spaces are shaped by the State. In theory, the purpose of the State is the good of all. However, when we come across wasted investment and the abandonment of the social project, we realize that the right to the city is a utopia.
Do we have the right to enjoy the city?
Video produced by the group
