|
nav: [www.barkah.org |
Image Gallery |
Travelogues |
Archive |
Guestbook]
City View
The city itself was architected in the late 19th century as the new capital of Minas Gerais. The first
"planned city" in Brazil, Belo Horizonte was inspired by Washington, D.C., and consist of many town squares
(called "praças") interconnected by diagonal roads. Much ahead of its time, parts of the city now is showing
its age, but remain impressive nevertheless.
4. The view from Praça Sete
Belo Horizonte has grown exponentially in the past fifty years. As late as 1945, the city had only 100,000
inhabitants. Today, Belo Horizonte is the third largest city in Brazil, with a population of more than 2 million
people. It is a vibrant city, yet with a relaxed atmosphere. From the crowded city center ("centro") to the chic
area of Savassi, the people here are exceedingly warm.
5. In Savassi
Such rapid growth naturally invite both opportunities and challenges. Urban sprawl dominates all areas outside
the original planned core, but the city has made great strides in creating a sustainable habitat and upgrading
its poor informal settlements ("foveolas") and being recognized by the United Nations as a pilot city for urban
development.
6. The Evil Empire: one step forward, two steps back
(c) 2003-2007 Ade Barkah. All Rights Reserved.
|
