Fostering Spatial Justice through Water Management: Neighborhood Plan for Vila Cristiana / BR

The thesis critically examines the notion of socio-spatial justice within the complex structure of the Brazilian context, which is marked by sharp social, economic and ethnic-racial disparities that are strongly reflected in the urban spaces of its cities. The research delves into this discourse using Vila Cristiana as its focal point, a settlement located on the outskirts of Bauru, a city in the center-west of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Vila Cristiana is a community made up of approximately 180 families, who were relocated from the former "Nova Cana" settlement where they had been living informally since 2013. Although the municipal authorities granted them regularized land in 2019, the community faces significant challenges arising from the unsatisfactory conditions of their new location, marked by hazards such as health risks, landslides, water contamination, inadequate sewage systems and susceptibility to torrential rain and flooding. These difficulties are intrinsically linked to difficulties in accessing land and entrenched socio-spatial disparities. The community's struggle transcends the mere formal recognition of their land; it extends to guaranteeing their right to a safe habitat, access to resources and equal opportunities in the urban environment. Their demand encapsulates the essence of the right to the city, echoing their yearning for spatial justice. The central aim of the thesis is to build a Neighborhood Plan adapted to mitigate the various water-related challenges particular to Vila Cristiana. This local planning instrument, outlined by the Master Plan of the Municipality of São Paulo (PDE - Law 13.050/14), empowers residents with a political tool on a smaller territorial scale - the Neighborhood - delimited by physical, cultural and socioeconomic characteristics. The plan was meticulously designed to exemplify the potential for advancing socio-spatial justice, guaranteeing residents' equitable access to essential public goods, encompassing a healthy environment, natural resources, safety and urban infrastructure. Methodologically, the study employs a technical analysis of territorial elements to decipher specific challenges arising from geographical arrangement and urban spatiality. This comprehensive analysis yields thematic maps that delineate natural drainage patterns, geomorphological attributes, vegetation systems, and land use. Subsequently, an interactive workshop will be conducted with community members to capture their needs and aspirations - an essential participatory principle to drive the spatial justice agenda in practice.