Mega-events and urban regeneration in Rio de Janeiro: planning in a state of emergency

Mega-events like the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro drive urban regeneration that prioritizes private interests, often at the expense of social equity. The study reveals how political and economic elites exploit event-related urgency to reshape the city, particularly through projects like Porto Maravilha's port revitalization. This 'exceptional' form of neo-liberal urban regeneration, characterized by state-assisted privatization, deepens socio-spatial segregation and inequality. The research analyzes planning dynamics under these conditions, demonstrating how such models commodify urban spaces while marginalizing affected communities.

Sánchez, F., & Broudehoux, A.-M. (2013). Mega-events and urban regeneration in Rio de Janeiro: planning in a state of emergency. International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development, 5(2), 132–153. https://doi.org/10.1080/19463138.2013.839450