Open spaces, morphological patterns and public appropriations in metropolis of São Paulo

Abstract

The morphology of metropolis of São Paulo is the result of complex relations between social process and biophysical support, presenting qualities and challenges inherent to its size (one of the four largest metropolises on the planet) and its insertion in the Brazilian socio-space process. In this context, the objective is to understand aspects of its morphological structure and its open spaces system. From visual analysis of satellite images and the use of Google Street View software, the Laboratório Quadro do Paisagismo da Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da Universidade de São Paulo – Lab QUAPÁ – produced detailed thematic cartography in GIS about morphological patterns and open spaces, block by block, for all juxtaposed urbanization of São Paulo Metropolis. The analysis of this thematic mapping is also supported by mapped census data and in a big collection of photos taken from overflights of the metropolis. This article provides a summary of the main results, with emphasis on open spaces system also addressing reflections on appropriations public of this system, resulting from the orientation experience of many scientific works undergraduate and graduate. This is a synthesis that shows a strong process if conurbation of the metropolis, but still showing a remarkable predominance of morphologies. The open spaces system of the metropolis contains significant remnants of Atlantic Forest, but is, as a rule, little competent to meet the various social and environmental demands.