Open spaces in Belo Horizonte’s landscape

Abstract

Open spaces systems in general – including both public and private land – formally designed or informally appropriated, have proper identities that can be regarded as syntheses of urban environmental conditions. Most cities’ administrative and public participation structures are not organized to deal with their open spaces; at best, when such structures do exist, resources directed to the issue are scarce. Therefore planning and managing open spaces are usually left behind. This essay focuses on Belo Horizonte’s open spaces systems, their history, development and current situation. This paper states that Belo Horizonte’s landscape has not yet met high environmental quality standards. It also discusses the need to establish a planning system involving both public policies and academic research, aiming at good management and care of such spaces within the city.