The square and the alley: punctual dichotomies and contextual harmonies in downtown Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

This article presents the analysis of two important public areas in the center of Rio de Janeiro; praça XV (formerly the largo do Paço) and the travessa do Comércio. From examination of the changes in morphology and urban landscape that have occurred over time it is possible to relate the principal dichotomies and functional and spatial aspects between the two areas – considering the researcher’s cognitive view. The main objective is to define the characteristics of these urban areas, in which the significance, identity and user attractiveness determine its importance and sense of place. The analysis method being developed will be used in the study of other historic areas in the Rio de Janeiro Cultural Corridor Project during the current doctoral research.