Reclaiming Residual Spaces for Mobility Justice

Mobility is more than movement—it is access, opportunity, and the right to navigate a city freely. In Maré, one of Rio de Janeiro’s largest informal settlements, mobility is shaped by spatial fragmentation, unequal infrastructure investments, and a reliance on informal transport systems. This project explores how underutilized urban spaces—abandoned factories, vacant lots, and overlooked street edges—can be reactivated as multifunctional mobility

What is mobility justice?

Exploring opportunities for enhancing mobility justice in Rio de Janeiro.

Exploring the interplay between different transportation lines and income groups to enhance our understanding of mobility patterns in Rio.

Understanding problems and issues in Rio through the lens of mobility in Rio de Janeiro.

What constructive steps is the government taking to enhance mobility and improve our transportation infrastructure?

Why Maré?

History and population statistics of the Mare.

HYPOTHESIS

Revitalizing residual spaces in Maré into active community-driven mobility hubs can transform fragmented and unsafe streets into vibrant, interconnected public spaces. By integrating pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, micro-mobility options, and cultural programming, we can encourage safe and inclusive movement while fostering social interaction and economic opportunities. This approach not only improves accessibility but also reclaims urban voids as spaces of empowerment—particularly for women and marginalized communities—creating a more just, livable, and resilient neighborhood.

Understanding geography through maps.

Understanding the Mare from People’s Perspective

Design proposal

Urban Scale
Architectural proportion