Inner-City Cohesion

São Paulo may be second to Rio de Janeiro in global esteem, but Brazil’s alternative capital remains a South American metropolis which houses over 20 million people across its wider area – more than London and New York City combined. Such a behemoth of a city with its own engrained problems. Extreme traffic, high population levels, DIY settlements, water and electricity shortages and rising temperatures all make up daily trials to overcome.

The exhibition, Access For All: São Paulo’s Architectural Infrastructures at Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich, shows how the city has risen to this staggering demand through multi-faceted urban design and communal architecture. Charting the city’s evolution from the 1960s until today, Access For All demonstrates how everything from small canopies and benches to providing green spaces amongst towering skyscrapers has been thoughtfully considered. As buildings compete for limited space, community swimming pools sit on top of tower blocks while wide cycle lanes take precedence over motor vehicles on main roads. This has helped create a more fluid and cooperative society within São Paulo, making it Brazil’s cultural capital. 

Access For All: São Paulo’s Architectural Infrastructures is at Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich, until 8 September. Find out more here. The accompanying publication is available now through Park Books. Find out more here.

Lead image credit: Courtesy of Access For All: São Paulo’s Architectural Infrastructures.