The Potential to Become Compact: A Study of Urban Form Flexibility in Brazilian Cities

Abstract

Density and diversity are important dimensions of the compact city model. They enhance the urban structure complexity and, therefore, improve urban vitality. However, in the Brazilian context, the use of the compact city model is often associated simply to high densities. In this study, we explored the role of density and social diversity as indicators of urban complexity in different urban areas. We also discuss the possibility that areas that are more complex have to foster compact development. The case study is a conurbation area inside the Metropolitan Region of Campinas (RMC), comprising the three cities of Campinas, Hortolândia and Valinhos, in the State of Sao Paulo - Brazil. We calculated the Anselin Local Moran`s I and Inverse Simpson Indexes, to (i) cluster intraurban areas with similar density and social diversity characteristics and (ii) analyze the morphological characteristics of six intraurban areas and identify three specific patterns. The results show that even in a dispersed urban context, it is possible to identify areas with high density and social diversity indexes. We argue that these areas are more complex and flexible to new contexts, because of their morphological and social aspects. This indicates a greater potential for catalyze compact city policies in these than in those areas with low social diversity and low density. The conclusion highlights the importance of other aspects besides density in compact development in the Brazilian context. It also opens the discussion whether certain intraurban areas could be prioritized in urban policies because of their flexibility and catalysis potential.