Urban Planning for the Urban Poor
Favela-Bairro Project (1994-2008)
A $600 million urban planning programme to improve quality of life in Rio's favelas
$600m
Total Budget
250+
Favelas Upgraded
1m+
Residents Reached
14 years
Duration
What Was Favela-Bairro?
Favela-Bairro was an urban planning programme designed to improve quality of life in Rio's favelas. Funded by the Brazilian government and the Inter-American Development Bank, it targeted 250+ favelas and over 1 million residents.
Key Approach: In-Situ Upgrading
Unlike slum clearance or relocation programmes, Favela-Bairro improved existing favelas where they stood. This preserved communities and social networks while delivering physical improvements.
Before & After Transformation
Conditions Before
Conditions After
Drag the slider to see the transformation from informal settlement to upgraded community
Four Key Strategies
Infrastructure Improvements
- •Paved roads/paths (vehicle & ambulance access)
- •Piped water to households
- •Sewage systems installed
- •Street lighting for safety
- •Drainage systems (prevent flooding)
Measured Impacts:
Impact Statistics Dashboard
Successes vs Limitations
WHERE implemented, the project was successful
Scale Limitations
Favelas Upgraded
Favelas NOT Upgraded
Despite $600 million investment, the project could only reach 20% of Rio's favelas
Budget Allocation Trade-offs
Projected Impacts:
Water Access
300,000+
Sewage Access
200,000+
Infant Mortality
↓30%
School Enrollment
↑15%
Property Value
↑50%
Jobs Created
15,000+
Adjust sliders to see trade-offs between different investment strategies
Favela-Bairro was successful WHERE implemented - health, infrastructure, and safety all improved in target favelas. However, limited scale (only 250 of 1,000+ favelas), lack of maintenance funding, and continued favela growth mean city-wide challenges persist. The project demonstrates that in-situ upgrading CAN work, but requires sustained investment and cannot keep pace with rapid urbanisation.
Test Your Knowledge
Infant mortality in target favelas fell 30%. Which strategy caused this?
Exam Practice
Evaluate the success of the Favela-Bairro project in improving quality of life for Rio's urban poor. Consider both achievements and limitations. (6 marks)